Clippers

I was clipping my toe nails yesterday. I know, I can’t contain my excitement over that too. What got my attention is that I am using a set of clippers I have had for over 10 years probably closer to 15. They came in a care package from a dear friend. I think there was a face mask, nail polish, a pink sparkly nail file that matched the clippers. All the other things in the package are now gone/been used, but I have this sparkly nail clipper still. It sits in a catch all on my nightstand.

As I picked up those clippers and saw the sparkles, I thought of my friend. The sparkles reminded me of her as she truly sparkles. She is a strong, smart, articulate, funny, talented, beautiful, sexy, playful woman. She can smile and laugh and make the whole room be drawn to her. She is a good friend that has allowed me to flirt with her and remain good friends. If you are queer, you know what I mean to have those friends you are attracted to, but also know this is an important friendship. She is one of those friends.

We have been friends since 1999. We met online back in the day when there were egroups. The modern equivalent might be like Facebook groups. That might age us. What it says to me is this is a good friend, no, I mean an extremely good friend as she is still my friend to this day. We have had deep talks about many many subjects. We have giggled so much my ribs hurt. She has stuck around all these years. Through different relationships, through moving, through health issues, and through grief.

She is still around when my quirky brain makes it hard to function. When I say I am going to call and then don’t. Even when I go silent and don’t contact her for months. Even when I am completely checked out, she still acts like no time has passed and is her beautiful self. No shame, no guilt, just joy that we are talking.

The clippers are a good representation of our friendship - strong and durable, sparkly, yet worn in, ever present even if not used every day. Thank you Kaylee for not giving up on me and being such a good friend. Love you big!

ps: I know it is silly this little odd everyday object made me think of Kaylee when I have things all around my house that she gave me that also remind me of her such as a hand knitted slippers, a hat she knitted M when she was in cancer treatment, and a gorgeous, I mean absolutely stunning hand woven scarf.