The sisterhood of the fleece jacket

Stephani and I met when I was a senior in high school. I had to retake Geometry (yes, I had to retake a class- I can't read a map; why on earth would I be good with an isosceles triangle?) Stephani sat right behind me in that class and in no time we were friends and pretty much inseparable. Unfortunately, she was two years behind me so, once I graduated and moved away from home I rarely saw her.

I have to share this e-mail that she recently sent to me:

You're going to think I'm crazy...

But I have this fantastic grey GAP fleece, full zip up, two breast pockets, size medium that I live in! Mark often refers to it as my "house-coat" and will say "don't you own anything else?" Well, you gave it to me, about 7 years ago now. I just love this jacket. I wore it skiing once and on the way home, I spit my gum out the window only to have it blow back on my fleece and I didn't notice until we stopped for gas, I was so sad. I took a razor blade to it and shaved the gum off not leaving a single bare patch, impressive.
More recently I opened the dryer door and the zipper handle came flying out on to the floor. I can still zip it up with my fingers though. Thank God. I'm not through with it yet.
Here are some pictures of it!!
Have a good weekend,
Steph

It's not unusual for me to get a card in the mail from Steph-- for absolutely no reason what-so-ever, and e-mails weekly if not more often. When I had my surgery, I had a message in my inbox everyday, and there are few things in this world that makes me happier than seeing stephanimbou@.... in my inbox. Steph is always one of the first to comment on my blog... only second to my sister. To me, that says something.

So in reading the e-mail she sent to me above- that is Steph. She has a long memory, and appreciates everything. I wonder, as well, if it's not the jacket she cherishes so much, but that I gave it to her.

Dearest Steph, Thank you for being such a loyal, sweet, and true friend. Thank you for always trying to make me smile and reminding me how lucky I am to have you in my life. I am amazed at how we can pick up right where we left off each time we talk, and it seems as though I just saw you even though there are hundreds of miles and years between us. I love and adore you to pieces. I miss you so much!

The beautiful Stephani Bouchard- who lives in NJ :(

One of the many things Stephani and I have in common is our love for animals. These little critters are Steph's new kitties. Steph loves animals so much that she works with them everyday!