"it's all fun and games until an artery slams shut."

Last night I had a dinner date with Steph. We met up for a meal at Mama Francesca's in New Rochelle. It's kind of our little spot to go and eat good Italian food, drink wine and talk. The restaurant overlooks the harbor, too, which makes for a nice view while you are eating.

Steph and I have been friends for almost four years now. Brian actually met her first. They both worked in the same office building in White Plains. The two of them hit it off immediately, and became lunch buddies. (I still to this day believe that Brian had a massive crush on her, but that is besides the point.) When Steph and I met for the first time, there was an instantaneous connection. We hit it off so quickly, that it seemed that she had always been in my life. We went from never knowing each other to talking and emailing every day. It made the transition from Massachusetts to New York that much easier for me, because I finally had a friend. And a good one at that.

Steph is gorgeous. She's got this long, silky, flowing hair. Her personality is so fun and warm and her laugh is very contagious. We always have a good time together and it doesn't matter what we are doing. She is the kind of person that would give the shirt off her back to you, if you needed it. She is incredibly protective of her family and close friends. If someone she loves isn't being treated the right way you bet your ass you will hear about it. She holds no punches. And that is why I love her so much. It's like having a permanent watch dog on your side. Someone that is a faithful companion that will pounce as soon as you need it.

Steph is honest to a fault. She will tell you exactly what is on her mind, and has no fear of going after what she wants in this life. Right now, she is going through a divorce. Being her friend, its really heartbreaking to have to watch her struggle. She wrestles between going after what makes her happiest and with what other people are thinking and feeling. It's rough for me at times, because I want my friend to be happy. I want her to know what it is like to be with a partner that supports her, that keeps her safe and loved. Someone that she can picture herself anywhere in the world with. Someone and something that she can believe in.

If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and make this all better for her. I would put her straight into the arms of a man like my husband. Someone to hold her and tell her how amazing she is. How beautiful and wanted she is.

In the meantime, I can't do much for her but sit on the sidelines and cheer her on. Keep a bottle of wine open and make her laugh hysterically and forget her troubles.

For example...