Role Model

A friend of mine just became my hero.

She was in love with a man for a long time.  At times, he seemed to love her, too.  I suppose that says it all, doesn't it - both the joy and the heartbreak of it.

They finally parted ways and she's now with a new man.  It's new and tentative, but promising.

But she found out just the other day that her former lover (still someone she's more than a bit in love with - because after all, when it's real, love doesn't just turn off, like a faucet) is back with his ex and that the former "ex" is now expecting his child.

What's worse?  They all work together at the same company.

What did my friend do?

She called her former lover to congratulate him, and she sent flowers to the mother-to-be.

And then she drank a bottle of vodka.


My friend, when it seemed impossible to be, was GRACIOUS.  And that is when it's most necessary, isn't it - precisely when it's most difficult.

I strive for graciousness, but I still haven't quite gotten the hang of it.  When it's most difficult, I don't often take the high road.

Kudos to the new man in her life, as well.  She called him and in the middle of a work day, he dropped everything and came to her office to rescue her and anesthetize her with hugs.

He didn't act out in jealousy and insecurity.  He was simply there for her, and he was kind and generous when it couldn't have been easy for him to comfort his woman crying over another man.

I'd tell them both that they became the wind beneath my wings, but not everyone finds solace and comfort in the wisdom of Bette Midler.  Besides, they'd both probably just hit me.