Who loves ya, baby??!!

A friend told me the other day that really statistically speaking only 50% of the people you know like you. And if you know me, those really aren't bad odds. I know a lot of people, and I refer to a lot of them as friends but should I really? I have a friend that has known me since I was 7, my friends from Junior High, friends from both North Miami and North Miami Beach Sr. High, friends from from FIU, friends from Atlanta and from Georgia State University, friends I've met through other friends and friends I've met from different jobs. But in the past 2 years or so I have found that its the ones I forgot I had or the ones that came along recently that have molded me into the person I want to be. And to these people I offer today, on an ordinary Wednesday, these words of love and thanks (just because):

To my Brooklyn Friend: You are the only person that I can say knew me when and has the pictures to prove it. Our friendship has lasted through distance and time. And no matter when we speak it's like we saw each other yesterday, we just pick up where we left off. Thank you for showing me how great it is to be a part of a family and letting me know that I am a part of one.

To Eddy's Little Lady: The one person who has proven to me that first impressions aren't always the best impressions. We've been through it all together and can always enjoy sitting back and reminiscing on them. If I think I can do it, you've always known I could do it. Thank you for believing in me and making me realize that "I can't do it" is something other people say.

To the Lady in The Big House: I call you this because you let me come right on in. No questions, no attitude, you just asked how you could help and you did - over and over and over again. And I can't thank you enough for that. Life has taken us in different paths recently and yet it's taken us to the same place. Be strong, play nice with the other kids and just watch your blessings come rolling in.

To P. Diddy (and her crew): I know, and You know that everyone knows your pretty, but I know that you are beautiful--inside. You are the one person who made me look in the mirror and realized that I was beautiful and that men don't always know the true beauty of a woman. You taught me how to take a compliment and believe in it. Thank you.

To my Revolutionary Friend: Who knew such a small person could be so loud, be so opiniated and have so much attitude? Where do you keep it all? In your spirit I guess. You taught me to look at everything from a different angle. You taught me the power behind getting the whole story and you taught me that sisters are a wonderful thing. Thank you for making me feel important in your life and teaching me that sometimes attitude is necessary.

To my Diva Friend: What can I say about you that DIVA doesn't already say. You taught me that life is about happiness, to do what makes me happy because I won't be here for long. That a strut is not just a walk but an opportunity to take it all in and to enjoy the moment. Thank you, for more than you know.

To my Mocha Latte Friend: This Entry is dedicated to you. To the you that worries that maybe your not deserving enough of your blessings, to the you that's scared sometimes about your future, to the you that asks me my opinion-defends your position-then rejects my opinion all together. To the you that has become one of my closest friends, I say that I am here for you and so are many others in your life. Thank you for being my friend and setting me straight when I needed it and then using it in a joke later. Cause you know I'm crazy!

TO THE MEN and yes there are some:

To Grim: Thank you you for letting me know that there are some good guys out there. That men can just be your friend, doesn't mean they don't think your cute, but they're honestly and sincerely your friend.

To the former President of the P.E.P. Committee: Thank you for showing me that a boy can become a man and leave all his childish ways behind him. You've changed in so many ways and I have to say I am proud to have witnessed it. Too bad about the P.E.P. Committee breaking up, though.

To PEPO: You have shown me how a brother should be to a sister. I may have three biological brothers but you are the only true brother I know. Remember you promised if I ever walk down the aisle, you'd walk it down with me.

To Jaquan: You taught me life is not fair sometimes. You get hurt, people use you but you move on. And maybe, hopefully, you find out what type of person you are in the process.

To Baggab: Thank you for getting it, for getting me. Thank you for talking to me like one of the boys but never forgetting that I am all woman. Thank you for understanding the power of just listening even when it seems like I'm not saying anything.

To my Amico Fidato: That says it all. I have trusted you with it all. Secrets, heartbreaks, insecurities and through it all you've listened and only offered advise when I asked for it. If only you could teach a class on "Being a good husband 101: the good and the Bad". Thank you for being my friend and teaching the true meaning behind "not all those who look like you are after your best interest, and it's those who at first glance you think you have nothing in common that will be there to catch you when you fall".

No I am not dying, not tomorrow anyway, but why wait to say what I feel in my heart today, right now. Don't worry, tomorrow back to the cynism.