American Airlines
N.Y. to DFW
July 6, 2006

As I travel from NY to DFW – such a familiar setting to me – it has been my life – looking out over these clouds – days ago flying over Mt. McKinley. They are all the same yet continue to be wonders to me.

I take myself back in time, back to CR where we all grew up and remember each of these special friends I will spend the next few days with. Each one being so special and trying to remember the first encounter – impossible – but something from our youth.

Carol – sweet shy Carol – with her blue eyes, so big it took her face a long time to grow in proportion. Her lashes were so thick – it did not take her long to know how to use this astounding feature. Were there always two fingers in her mouth? I am sorry if Nancy Holly & I ever made you sad, you were always my blood sister. We were both Daddy’s forgotten girls in one way or another – searching for an unmet connection – no spontaneous hugs from our fathers. Mine gone by 6th grade – yours – as you have said, emotionally absent gone by 17. (o.k. that was serious) By third grade, I knew you were an artist, by 4th grade, the funniest girl in the world. The note intercepted by Mr. Eppel, and read aloud “I need a gas mask.” Probably Howard Knott had just farted. (Not to even think about that hangy, torn, tit.) Yep – we were into potty humor and it never stopped. The rest of our lives and sharing are just too numerous to even mention – You were always there and I’m not sure who was more trouble, but we did feed on each other and our mothers survived and I pray my daughter would be lucky enough to have a friend like you. I love you.

Winnie – where did you come from – was it Coffeyville, Kansas – you just blew into CR like Dorothy & Tot – a minister daughter no and now I know it is definitely true what they say about ministers daughters. They are by far the most outrageous. Johnson school & walking around with our eyes crossed or faces contortions 90% of the time – no wonder Bob Donnelly did not like us and Edna Enz threatened to jump out the window in Art Class. Too bad she did not know about Prozac. I will never forget your Dad & his preaching at my father’s funeral – it seems then there was you. I’m sorry I kicked your leg on the way top school – I had a temper & I’m sure my dear sister Susan had broken the violin bow over my head or something awful at home……..don’t get me wrong, I DID have a happy childhood. June-bug was the best. Secret sleepovers at your house – bats flying around, parakeets dow3n the toilet, the used rubber in your pocket – “Hey, look at this.” WOW – now we know the true meaning of “Dick wad” – we have met up with a few of those. We were just such goofy, silly girls – somehow you are the blue that hold us together. Thanks for your unconditional friendship and & love. I have really felt that from you.

Be hi, Be Cindy – McKinley Jr high – we were so cool. I remember the ukuleles, the bowling alley, and the butterfly café. Could you French inhale – or was Carol the expert. The makeout parties – did you ever talk to that boy (Steve Durr) or did we just kiss them for hours? Or it seemed like that. I think our B language was just the best & your cute laugh & curly hair – I remember I was the last to start my period and sent everyone a note – too bad we did not have email or text – so glad we did not. Was it CR and our beautiful mothers? And Cindy, your Mom – I just though she so beautiful (next to Janice Wray’s) her mom wore a leopard print shirt to Johnson School one day. And Cindy I know you are going through so much now with her. I hope she is doing well and think you are lucky to have had her all these years.

Lynn – my fellow Z girl – a few experiences in high school, always laughable -- but fate brought us together a year ago. I love it that you know you can call me at 6:00 a.m. and I will always be there. You and I have shared so much this past year. I respect your beauty (inside and out) and your strength. You have just taken the bull by the horns and moved on. “Life is not a dress rehearsal, so go out and find an adventure That is what I just wrote to my daughter and she has taken my words very seriously. Her adventures are just beginning and so are ours. Each and every one of us has this huge inner child in our beautiful 60 yr old bodies and Lynn, you & I have it bursting at the seams. Our tee-pee adventure in February was just a high along with these cigarettes. We must continue these capers and never grow old. I thank you for all your self help books and your listening ear – and is it true Marion is down to 8 toes? Who care I hope Bend is wonderful, maybe I’ll end up there yet, if not, I will surely visit and don’t forget Paris.

I love you all take a good look at all of us

The girls of 1946-1964
God – just take a look – aren’t we blessed?!!

Love you all,
Barbara