Five years ago today Crystal Foley and I got on a plane and set off for England. I had no idea then who she would become to me. It’s insane to think our year in England was already that long ago, but crazier still to realize I’ve only known her for that short of a time. I feel as if she has always been a part of my life.
Our story started in typical rom-com fashion; we hated each other at first. But that is a saga for a drunken night. (Seriously, bring us some wine and ask us about it, it’s great.)
This is simply a tribute to my favorite person.
One of the pastimes I love the most in the whole world is watching her play guitar and sing. The way she throws herself into the music and the raw power of her voice, the way she moves her fingers across the strings, and the music she performs have rarely failed to make me well up, both with tears and emotions. That brilliant openess you feel where you can’t quite decide if you want to cry or laugh or puke, or all three. It’s the best
She’s the only person I’ve ever had in my life who I never hesitate to bring places, or meet other people in my life. Sometimes merging different groups of friends can be a bit awkward – you wonder if they’ll get along or see what you see in them, but I’ve never felt this with Crystal. Its understood; we’re a package deal. Ability to mingle aside, she is my absolute favorite person to bring anywhere. I’m a better me when I’m around her; we bring out the best in each other, play off each other in ways that cannot be counterfeited. I feel funnier, wittier, smarter, happier when I’m around her.
She has this desire to learn and absorb that I adore. Bring up nearly any subject and she has something to say about it, most of which she’ll initiate with, “I was watching this documentary on…”
We see the world in much the same ways, though she processes it far more beautifully than I could ever hope to. Luckily we can all have a glimpse at it, through the photos and films she produces.
We can talk and laugh for hours about nothing and everything, contemplating life, how we got here and where we’ll end up. Whether I need pragmatism or mirthful cynicism, she knows just how to be there when I feel needy.
She’s the first to cheer me on to make a joyful idiot of myself in public, and the first to join me once I start.
When we are around each other, we slip into a bizarre accent together. It is a voice we cannot control or use knowingly. Many times we are unsure if we are talking in Our Voice or not. If you haven’t heard it, it sounds more or less like Old Greg. (I know what you’re thinking: It’s really quite difficult to understand why we were single for so long).
So five years ago, standing in the Albuquerque Sunport with my severely overweight bags, I could never have fathomed that Crystal Foley would be my best friend. That one day I would understand the way her mind works more or less as well as my own. That someone would ever understand me quite this well. That I would be able to conceptualize what it’s like to have a sibling. That I would spend most first dates henceforth, talking about her, more or less exclusively.
She makes me feel like no matter what happens, I will be okay. Whatever the fuck life throws at me, I know I can handle, because she’s on my team. All the bullshit of navigating growing up and figuring out passions and finding people to cuddle with is infinitely more fun knowing I can go home and whine to her about it over wine. Other people may come and go (although hopefully stay), but she is my forever. Not to get sappy on y’all, but she is my One. She is my Soulmate. As far as I’m concerned, the sun shines out her ass. And it’s a pretty great one, so I’m not upset about it.
(Oh yeah, side note: she’s fucking gorgeous. And perfectly proportioned. Bitch.)
I hope all of you that have that one special someone who just gets it, who is so clearly meant to be in your life, who makes you feel like your most awesome, wonderful self. If you do, go give them a bear hug and thank them for being them. If you don’t, I hope you find them soon. Because the feeling is incomparable.
Thanks for being my person, Crystal. Thanks for understanding me, and trusting me and keeping my secrets. Thanks for laughing maniacally with me and and wallowing in self-deprecation with me and singing with me and moving across the country with me. Thanks for being my cross-eyed bear.
I love you, boo.
The Seattle Thaw 