Friendship Stories #13

Have you ever heard of foot-in-mouth disease? It is something I have had my whole life. My friendship with Michelle was based on this condition. I met Michelle at a small gathering for women. We began the meeting by introducing ourselves. After the meeting had adjourned, Michelle introduced herself to me by saying, "I know you! You're married to the bald guy!" Her face turned all shades of red after she realized what she had just said. I recognized that deep blush of embarrassment as a classic symptom of foot-in-mouth disease (I knew that embarrassing realization of having just said something totally inappropriate all too well), and I liked Michelle right away. I knew we'd get along swimmingly. We have gotten along swimmingly for over 13 years now. Mr. M and I went to Florida to attend her wedding 12 years ago. Michelle and her husband rented a room from my mom when they came back to California. Michelle's husband presided over my mom's funeral, while also offering counsel and comfort to my whole family. Michelle and I have an agreement wherein I give her back massages in exchange for lunch. Our little life would be entirely unrecognizable without Michelle and her husband.