There is a line from the movie A Knight's Tale. William is in the stocks and his friends are around him holding various weapons trying to protect him from the mob. Lord Colville comes to release William and before knighting him says, "Your men love you." It is my favorite line from any movie.
I grew up an only child. I was awkward and backward and weird; still am. The only thing I ever really longed for was people to come over- just show up. I was lonely.On birthdays I really wanted people to show up. The presents were nice but I never knew how to thank them appropriately for the gifts. I just wanted them to be there for me.
I have worked very hard to try and create grown up friendships. It is difficult work. You never really know someone until you know them. As Jennifer once said (I am paraphrasing) We weren't instant friends. Friendship takes time and patience and work, and we don't ever know when the moment was that we decided we were friends...it just happens. It grows. And you have to care for it. Jennifer is so thoughtful.
I also have many friends that push me. They ask hard questions, they give me tasks that I hate, they explain things to me, but mostly they just show up. In fire, in birth, in sickness, in celebration they show up. In the past 5 years I have certainly done my share of time in the stocks. I have been weighed, measured and found wanting. I have been worthless and useless. They still show up. They bring laughter, reason, wisdom, blankets, sarcasm, and weapons. They are my people.
I so want to repay them for what they have done for me. I have no idea how so let me say this: When the world comes for you and you are placed in the stocks, I hope that you will look down and see me. I hope that you will say, "There is Shey. She is one of my men and she loves me." Because I do. I love you.
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