Queen of Idiots

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Pattiann...Queen of Idiots.  You may think that statement somewhat unkind. I will explain, I promise.

Pattiann and I first met when our girls were in dance together and became friends.   Cara and Amanda became best friends and shared the same group of  friends. Alyssa and Abbie, a year apart in age were also close friends.  Over the years, I spent many hours talking with Pattiann outside of dance class, at dance rehearsals and Marching band competitions. I loved talking to Pattiann.  She was always a ray of sunshine, had a zest for life, a sensitive and giving heart and her very own unique way of looking at things.  I came to trust her as a dear friend, as we shared our own growing pains...that of watching our daughters grow.  She became so special to my girls, they came to think of her as a second mom.  I will never forget the tears in both Cara and Pattiann's eyes as they said "Goodbye" before Cara left for college.  The kids have grown up and moved on...darn her for not having a son near Alex's age.  I don't get to see her much these days, but when I do...it always brings a smile to my face.

Tomorrow is her birthday.  I was seeing some Happy Birthday posts on Facebook today and I kept thinking to myself...I know it's not 'til tomorrow.  For years I had Pattiann on speed dial as we always worked together to transport the kids wherever they needed to go.  One year, on January 12, I called her and she answered "Happy Birthday to me".  I had no idea it was her birthday until that moment...but I laughed.... it was so Pattiann.

I mentioned that Pattiann and I were friends while our kids were in marching band. We became exposed to marching band together and got hooked on it that first year. We cheered our kids on as we traveled everywhere there was a competition.  The second year, there was a call for chaperones...and I thought  "why not".  I volunteered.  One day, chatting with Pattiann at the end of Marching Band Practice, I shared with her that I had volunteered to be a chaperone.  "You're an idiot" she said incredulously, " I say that in the kindest way possible, but you're an idiot.".   A few weeks later I was inquiring as to her daughter's availability for a sleepover...on a particularly busy weekend.  She again informed me that I was an idiot for taking on such a task on such a crazy weekend.  "You're an idiot". she said.  "That's two, one more and I make you a shirt that says it",  Suffice it to say...I got the shirt and wore it proudly.

I think it was the following spring, that she asked me one day if I would drive her daughter home because she was tossing her hat in the ring as possible PTA president...for Arlington High School.  I could not believe what I was hearing!!  " I'm an idiot?",  I asked.  "You are the Queen of the Idiots".  Well Pattiann did, in fact,  become PTA president and she earned the very sparkly Queen of Idiots shirt that I made her.

So I am thinking of Pattiann tonight...on the eve of her 50th birthday.  I am thankful for her presence in the world.... and especially in my world.   I am truly a better person for having known her.  She has inspired me in more ways than I could explain.  I am wishing that this year she receives more blessings than her amazing heart can hold..  I am thinking I am going to have to look at my calendar and find a time to reconnect with her soon.  Happy Birthday to my dear friend and Queen of Idiots...Pattiann!!