It seems as if I have two speeds – the first being still, quiet, & alone, and the second go-go-go. And my go-to friend for when I want to go-go-go is Joyce.
It doesn’t matter what adventure I dream up – dirt roads in the middle of nowhere, whiskey distillery visits, sneaking in churches to use the bathroom, hiding in a confessional (for the record – Joyce did that, not me!), visiting new restaurants, or attending Mexican-Irish parties, Joyce is always ready and willing to jump in the car and just take off to anywhere. “I’ve got the smokes & the communion!” is her line. Candy cigarettes that is, and Necco candy for pretend communion. I’m certain everyone thinks we’re nuts (and soooo immature) when we post our photos. But the history behind our cigarettes & communion began a long, long time ago…. and will continue for the remainder of our lives. We don’t care what anyone thinks. It’s our thang.
It was about a decade ago. The setting? The Pancake House on Hayes in Clinton Township. It was a summer morning. We met for breakfast about 9 a.m. and sat and laughed and laughed at the similarities of our childhoods. Everyone who grew up in a catholic house has used Necco candy to play communion. And who doesn’t remember candy cigarettes? That, among many, many other things kept us giggling for hours. About the time we decided it was time to PEEL our rear-ends off the booth and pay our bill, the restaurant owner walked over and announced to us in a very loud and Greek accent for all to hear “Well!!!! It’s LUNCH TIME! Where do you think you’re going? SIT BACK DOWN AND HAVE LUNCH!” We weren’t sure if he was scolding us, or joking with us. A few moments of uncomfortable silence and then the three of us busted out in laughter.
FYI – If you ever sit that long in a restaurant preventing the waitress from turning her table over a few times with new customers, be sure and leave enough of a tip that makes up for it. **That means leave a big, big tip!
And thus began our friendship and our shenanigans, which must always involve laughter, communion, and a candy cigarette. It will forever be “our thang.”
Joyce is also a fiercely loyal, truthful, and faithful friend. I’m not sure I tell her often enough how much I appreciate that about her. She is an incredible Mom and loves her son like nobody’s bizness…. She’s his biggest supporter and most devoted fan. She answers the phone when I call (unless she’s playing tennis), and returns my texts (unless she’s playing tennis), and is always there for me (unless she’s playing tennis). If you’re lucky enough to have her for a friend, you’re lucky enough. But goodness, don’t tick her off. The woman will get out her cement mixer (unless she’s playing tennis). LOL
I do hope if you’re reading this, that you too, have a Joyce for a friend.
I love ya Joyce. I don’t tell you often enough what an incredible friend you are. See ya at church in the morning. I’ve got communion. You be sure and bring the smokes 😉
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs
from their heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 27:9
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