Lois and Petree (circa 1973)Once upon a time there were two girls who became the best of friends the day they met in elementary school . There was Petree (on the right) and Lois (on the left). Now our childhood was very different from one another. I lived in a cookie cutter baby boomer house with a mom, a dad, and a brother (pest). My mom was a neat freak (still is) and so our house was not all the hospitable to me having friends over. In fact, for most of my childhood, my dad, my brother and I spent our days in the basement (having fun, really--it was a 60's thing). I longed for a purple room, having a horse, or a dog and, mainly, freedom.
Lois on the other hand, had a hard working Mom who was a single parent (really taboo in those days) who worked at a little diner on Gravois. Lois had a bunch of siblings--5 in all. While her mom was away working, her feisty grandma watched over the house. They also had a dog--a chiwawa (sp?). I LOVED that dog. Her mom had her bedroom in the dining room so that the kids could have the bedrooms. And it was PURPLE! The kids had freedom, they had a dog and they could go to the movies to see R-rated movies. Once Lois was going to see "Billy Jack" at the Crest theatre but my mom wouldn't let me. I was crushed. Ihave no idea why I wanted to go so badly---but I did. Maybe because my cool friend Lois was going!
I adored Lois. One year we went as Sonny and Cher for Halloween. (Hilarious--my mom gave me her long hair wig and it fell in puddle as we dodged the rain that night). We were inseparable. Then we came to cross roads--Junior High. Her free spirit and coolness led her to be friends with the other cool kids, which I decidedly was not (thanks mom for the elastic waist band paints-Yikes). I found other friends who weren't cool either. And so our paths went different ways.
Then...our 30th High School Reunion came along and boom--Lois was in charge. She turned out way cooler (which I am sure surprised my mom who saw nothing but disaster for a child from a single parent home whose mom let them see "BillyJack"!). Lois is now an executive at Mastercard and well, I am unemployed. Anyway, we decided to get dinner together and we talked for about 4 hours and closed the restaurant down. It turns out we have a lot in common and it is as if no time had passed since the 6th grade.
Lois has supported all my furniture painting and has commissioned a red desk. Well, Lois, here it is...it looks more tomatoey than it is. But it's in "million dollar red" --for my long lost million dollar friend.
Petree,
ReplyDeleteThe desk is gorgeous and I am touched by your heartfelt story. I feel so blessed that we have rekindled our friendship, after all this time. You were one of my dearest and closest friends. As a child, faced with many challenges and obstacles, I cherished our friendship and envied you and your lifestyle. You were the quirky, unique girl with the 'perfect family' that I so wanted. :) I am SO happy that we have 'reconnected' after all these years. Let's not drift apart again, my friend. And btw, when can I come pick up my awesome million dollar desk? :)
Petree, thanks for a peak into the past. It explains a lot of things. You are perfect on the road you are traveling. I dare say you are probably a lot cooler than you think and take it from someone who has worked as a middle management executive, it isnt what you think. Quality of life, heart felt moments, and sharing what you have is Pretty Damn Perfect! Im glad you guys are friends again. That reunion despite my inability to be there due to nursing school, healed a lot of things in me and I am thankful for the job Lois did. She was awesome. She tends to think of me as a male chauvinist pig which is fine with me (I relish manhood) I appreciate our differences and that is what makes the world go round! Love your Blog and hope you get to read mine sometime.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless, your old classmate... Blair
The desk looks beautiful ... your story even better. I am glad that you two reconnected. I remember seeing you around the halls as well. Robin - Class of '82
ReplyDeletePetree,
ReplyDeleteThe desk is gorgeous! The pictures simply do not do it justice. It will always hold a special meaning for me. Thank you, my dear friend. I am so very happy that we have reconnected. I look forward to continuing our friendship!