Friday, February 21, 2014

Happy Birthday To My Best Friend Sandy (on Earth) And Charlie (in Heaven)

Wow!
A lot of years have flown by since
Sandy and I were kids and
 first met in a laundromat
in North Fort Myers, Florida
in the Fall of 1970.
Little did we know the day we met
that we would become best friends
for life.
Friends that would see each other
through marriages,
 the births of children,
divorces that we weren't expecting
and re-marriages.
We have both moved all over the 
country but have always lived 
within driving distance of each other.

Let me tell you how good of a friend 
 I am.
When she went to remarry 
she asked me to be matron of honor.
The long distance tolls started
adding up.
Me:  Did you get your dress yet?
Sandy:  I found a nice pants suit.
Me: WHAT?
Sandy: Yes! You heard me right!
A PANTS SUIT!

Me: You can't get married in a pants suit.
Sandy: Watch me! (sensing an "attitude"
here are you?;>)
Me:  I am wearing a soft pink dress as 
your matron of honor.
Sandy:  Great!  I'm wearing a pants suit.
Me:  Really?
Sandy:  Yes! REALLY!!!
hmmmmmmffff
The day before the wedding I went shopping.
I bought a wedding dress in her size.
I took it to her home in Illinois.
Me:  I have a present for you.
Sandy:  What it is?
Me:  It's your wedding dress~

Sandy: (the red head in her making her face flush)
I have a nice pants suit!
Me:  MOM!!! MOM!!!! Come here, Mom!
Look at this- I bought Sandy a REAL wedding dress.
Sandy: Oh, Crap!  Don't get my Mom in on this.
Mom: (timidly) Well, it wouldn't hurt to try it on.
Sandy: (glaring at me) I don't like wedding dresses.
Me:  You'll like this one!
Door to bathroom SLAMS shut.
Door to bathroom opens.
Her Mom and I look at her and we are 
smiling from ear to ear.
Me: It's PERFECT
Mom:  It's PERFECT
Sandy: It's too big on the sides!
Mom:  You have four hours to get ready,
I'll take it in.
Sandy: FINE!!! 
(this is the closest we have ever come
to having a cross word with each other!;>) 

TA-DAH!
ps.  And THAT is what best friends are all about-picking your wedding dress out
for you whether you want one or not!
pffffftt.....A Pant's Suit!!!!
Happy Birthday Sandy!
Listen-she recently connected to the internet world down there in the wilds of Minnesota.
Wish her a Happy Birthday here for me-will you?

And Happy 61st birthday to my brother, Charlie.

He is celebrating his second birthday in Heaven
today- I miss you, buddy!
~You are forever in my heart~
Yep-my best friend in life and my brother
born on the same day-
What are the odds on that?
I hope they made him an
Angel Food Cake
up there where calories don't count!

I am still at my daughter's house this morning
but headed home this afternoon.
I will play catch up with you all late today!

Happy Birthday, Sandy...
I love you as much as if we were
blood sisters.
Who knows?
Maybe we are.....after all...
my Dad used to travel, you know!!!!
your photo name

60 comments:

Val said...

Ah! Birthdays are special--and such love in you and your life to celebrate 'em. :) Have a safe trip home.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sandy! Love the story of your friendship. Very sweet that Sandy and Charlie share a birthday. God bless you, Diana, with sweet memories of him today. All the best to your daughter. Wishing everyone a good weekend.

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

Happy Birthday to all the special people in your life and in your heart. Have a great weekend!

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

When my dearest friend was getting married I picked out and bought her dress for her too! She wanted a dress but never considered the style I selected for her. She looked gorgeous in it and was thrilled with the dress on her special day! Best friends are just sisters of different misters...the bond runs deep and you know one another as well as you know yourself. Happy Birthday to Sandy and to Charlie!!! You are very blessed to have them both as part of your life journey. Safe travel home Diana and have a great weekend!!!
XO Barbara

Vee said...

Happy Birthday to the gal who couldn't even wear what she wanted on her own wedding day! LOL!

These anniversary dates are tough. I hope that you honor the day with some cake yourself.

Pam Kessler said...

Happy Birthday, Sandy! Who knew what you were getting into just by trying to mind your own business and do your laundry way back then.

And Happy Birthday, Charlie! I'd say have a great day, but it's probably always a great day up there :)

Boopnut said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy and Charlie! Love your friendships...how special.
Deb

Gayla said...

Happy Birthday, Sandy! Hope you have a beautiful day!

And for Charlie... A very special birthday wish. We are always alive in the hearts of those who love us... Long may you live!

The Tuscan Home said...

Happy Birthday to both of your loved ones. :) Have a great weekend! xo, Liz

Beth said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy and to your guardian angel Charlie!!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Happy Birthday Sandy! What a fun story about your friendship. Thinking of you and your brother today. Safe travels home. I hope you aren't dealing with blizzard conditions and these high winds. It's awful in West MI again today.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a nice birthday post to two people you love in your life, Diana! That is a true friendship you have with Sandy.

Junkchiccottage said...

Beautiful birthday post. Your brother is smiling down today. It is so wonderful that as we journey through life we have many friends but there is always the special one that stays forever in our path. So happy you found that special friend in Sandy. Happy Birthday Sandy.
Kris
PS Love the wedding dress it is so pretty. She looks so happy.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Happy Birthday Sandy! It seems as we get older, all of our special days are mixed with happy and sad. Hope today feels happy for you my friend! Sweet hugs!

Linda said...

What a wonderful friend you are and have! Happy birthday Sandy!!! Have a safe trip home and I hope it means that baby girl decided to change positions.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Happy Happy Birthday to your BFF and to your brother in Heaven...I know he's celebrating with all the angels!!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

A friendship that starts in a laundromat ... sounds like a movie in the making! Happy birthday to your dear friend and to Charlie in Heaven!

Gail said...

Awww.....what a nice post, Diana and Happy Birthday to the ones you love! Drive home safely, Gail

Susie said...

Diana, You make me laugh with your antics. You are blessed to having a wonderful friend forever. Your brother is a sweet angel. But he may be telling your Father what you just said about him "traveling".:):) Have a safe trip home, hope your pretty red haired girl is doing better. xoxo,Susie

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

Love this post! Have a safe trip home and a blessed week end....hugs, Penny

camp and cottage living said...

I think it's so nice you and Sandy have remained BF over all these years!
You do sound a little bossy-making her wear that wedding dress. But she
does look happy, so it must have been the right thing to do!
I know you miss you brother, Diana. It's a good day for remembering how
blessed you were to have such a great one.
Take care-Kimberly

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

Happy Birthday Sandy!!!!!!!

You are a lucky gal, to have this fun gal, as your best friend. Life could never be dull, with her around. (Just see the lovely wedding dress, she "made" you wear!) :-)

Donna said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy! What a fun story about the dress! So much better than a pant suit:) And that is just incredible that your dear brother should have the same birthday as your bff! I know he is smiling down on you,Diana. Love ya, safe travels!

Nellie said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy! Yes, that's what friends are for, and you are a very good friend! Hugs to you as you remember your brother. xo Nellie

Simply LKJ said...

What a great story! Happy Birthday to Sandy. And, Happy Birthday to Charlie!!!

Linda said...

Happy Birthdays to all our loved ones on this very special February 21. My MIL would have been 99 years today! And my parents married 67 years ago today. Celebrations are definitely in order! Hugs, Linda@Wetcreek Blog

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

♪♫♪ Happy Birthday 2U ♪♫♪ Happy Birthday 2U ♪♫♪ Happy Birthday Dear Sandy ♪♫♪ Happy Birthday 2U ♪♫♪
It's nice to have a friend over the many years and a clean one at that since you met in a laundromat. funny story!!! Happy Birthday to Charlie too. Have a safe trip home. Hope all is well with your daughter.

NanaNor's said...

Diana, I love this tribute both to your brother and your best friend. Wow, how incredibly special to have a best friend since childhood. I still have a best friend(one of many)from the age of 15 on. Though she lives in Ca. still and doesn't come to visit-so I have to go bug her. I know your brother is smiling down on you. Love that you got Sandy a real dress....you crack me up. Only you could pull that off. We are all so blessed by you girl!
Have a great day and weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

That's wonderful that y'all have remained friends all these years. That's a special friendship, indeed! Happy Birthday, Sandy! And Happy Birthday to Charlie in heaven. Have safe travels home. :)

Cranberry Morning said...

A bittersweet day for you, Diana. God bless you.
Love the story of your friend.

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

I vote with you for the dress over a pantsuit! What a happy and sad day for you. I'm glad you have happy thoughts remembering your dear brother. Can you imagine if you had never known him at all?
Life is good.

Nonnie said...

Some of my favorite sisters are my BFF. Love the story and happy birthday wishes for her and I know your brother is celebrating big time!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

What a blessing to have such a good friend...ya'll would be TROUBLE if you lived closer by...LOL! Happy Birthday to Charlie...I know you miss him so much!
Blessings,
Cindy

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Happy birthday to Sandy!! And to Charlie in heaven. I know how much you miss him, I miss both my brothers very much. Loved the story of you buying Sandy a wedding dress! What a sweet friend you are! Have a wonderful weekend.

Nancy's Notes said...

What a sweet post! Happy Birthday to Sandy and your dear brother, Charlie. Sandy looks so pretty in her wedding dress and what a dear and precoius friend you were to her to make her wear it, perfect! You two must be a pair when you are with eachother, must be a blast!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Love this story Diana. Isn't it great to have a long time friend that you can share so much with. Happy Birthday to her and your brother in Heaven.

hugs
Sissie

This N That said...

Happy Birthday Sandy..You probably know this already but you couldn't have a better friend than Diana...You looked gorgeous in that dress..

Janet said...

Hi Diana, I hope all is going well there. Happy birthday to Sandy and Charlie. Take care all. :)
Janet W ((hugs))

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy and Charlie. Gotta take care of our BBF, especially when it comes to wedding attire. '-)

joanne said...

nothing like a BFF! Happy Birthday Sandy...and Happy Birthday in heaven dear Charlie. I know the angles are singing and there is dancing for you today.
p.s. and I thought I was your bf...*sigh*

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

You're a sweet friend indeed! The wedding dress story is cute! Happy Birthday to Sandy and your beloved brother Charlie.

Red Rose Alley said...

Happy Birthday Sandy! She sounds like a wonderful friend that you've shared laughs with for many years.

And to your beloved brother, a Happy Birthday to you too. An angel food cake sounds perfect for him. :~)

Love,
~Sheri

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Happy Birthday to Sandy and may she have many many more. To your wonderful brother Happy Birthday. I know you miss him.
Hope your daughter is feeling better.
Have a great weekend.
Mary

SImple and Serene Living said...

Happy birthday to your two besties. Your such a sweet friend and sister. xo Laura

Lucille said...

You're funny! It was a beautiful dress, Diana! So, Happy Birthday to your friend and to your brother. Hope you're not too tired out from everything you have been doing. Take care!

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

What a cute story! So wonderful to have a longtime friend. Happy Birthday dear Sandy and to your beloved brother Charlie.

Kelly said...

What a great story! Happy Birthday to your sweet friend and your brother in heaven.

Blondie's Journal said...

Did you have any idea why she wanted to wear a pants suit? And did you know she would probably agree on a dress? I think best friends are very intuitive, I think you read her mind! She looked so pretty. Happy birthday to her and your sweet brother. I love seeing this picture of him. He has your twinkling eyes!

XO,
Jane

Gypsy Heart said...

Such treasured memories! Best friends know more about each other than is really realized until something like this comes up. :) She looked beautiful. Wishing her a very Happy Birthday!

Sweet Charlie...I'll bet if my mother and Abby are anywhere around, he's having a blowout birthday and probably dancing with the angels. I know how much you miss him and my heart hurts for you.

xo
Pat

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

There is NOTHING like a best friend! Happy Birthday, Sandy! And Happy Birthday in heaven to Charlie.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Happy Birthday to both Sandy and Charlie! Now that's a bff. One that buys her friend a wedding dress!
hugs,
Jann

Jackie said...

Sandy...I don't know how you put up with her! :))) (You know I'm joking...I don't know either of you, but I can tell from reading this blog that you are BESTIES!!.....and I'm so glad you have one another.)
First of all: hApPY biRhHdAy to you!!
Next: Love the pant suit/wedding dress story, and I know that you are the best of friends in the world for this to have happened. Who else in the WORLD would dare to buy someone a wedding dress knowing that they were opposed to it. Only a BEST friend.
Gotta keep her. She's gotta keep you.
Happy Birthday, Sandy!!
Hugs from Jackie

Jackie said...

Diana...I'm so sorry that your dear brother has passed away. I send condolences to you....
This was a sweet blog....and I'm happy to be a new blogging friend of yours.
Nuther hug,
J.

My Garden Diaries said...

This post put a huge smile on my face! That conversation sounds like my best friend and I...something about those soul sisters!! Wishing her a very Happy Birthday! And a Happy Birthday to your brother Charlie...I have no doubt that he is eating angel food cake and looking down on you! How blessed are you to have had such a wonderful brother and now an angel to stand over you! Wishing you the best this weekend! Nicole xoxo

J said...

OMgoodness - HILARIOUS! You just always make me at least smile - but more likely laugh out loud (LOL) ! I am so glad you were there for Sandy - she looked radiant! And meeting in a Laundromat? What are the odds of finding a BFF there?
I think your brother is still smiling away at you and egging you on to have even more fun. The joy you brought him is something that will never go away!

Donna-s Lair said...

Happy birthday Sandy! Maybe sweet cheeks could wear her passed down wedding dress?! ;-)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful friend and brother! You're such a great friend and sister!! Have a beautiful day!~~Angela

Chatty Crone said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDY! And many more. Happy Heavenly birthday too - of course he will get an ANGEL cake. sandie

Savannah Granny said...

Happy Birthday Sandy!!! Your best friends knows that I am always a day late and a dollar short! Well, make that three days and I am not short. I won at Bunco today.
Sandy, I hope you have a blessed birthday and that you were able to spend it with those you love. I know you have a really nice best friend.
Happy Birthday Charlie! You know I am not late because you knew I woulda, coulda, shoulda if I were not always late. Charlie, you are living in my favorite place and I know you have having fun rejoicing with our Lord. Would you do me a favor? Please tell God, when it's my time, to wait a while before closing the gate.
Blessings to you Diana,
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday for sure to all the people in your life my friend. How do you get away with lovely things you do and especially buying a wedding dress for your friend who WANTED NO WEDDING DRESS. She wanted a pant suit. If I told my story how I was so kind to a special friend of over 3o years. She took it as an insolent. And befriended me for over two years.

Can I use your Angel wings Di please. The Lord made you and Angel on Earth for people. I swear. Not swear. Maybe I better revise that. (Golly Gummy) Glad your enjoying Summer Time. See you back in Sept.