I talk a lot out gravity because I feel like its the only way to describe the pull that some people and places have. I felt it the night I met Bex. It was a going away party for a friend. Before the party, I was so nervous, that these kiwis would not accept me. I had been in New Zealand for six months and had not connected with any kiwis, accept this friend who was now leaving for a year abroad. Although I showed up with my friend, we did not speak the whole night. At first, I thought I was just drunk and imaging the gravity. You know drunk girls in bathrooms are best friends with strangers and then they get sober and want nothing to do with you. That was not Bex.
Her smile lit up the whole house. She welcomed me with a hug, it was warm and calm. Two of my favorite things. We spent the whole night curled up on the couch, while James stood under a Macgyvered tarp shelter grilling and the other boys drank. I made small courteous attempts to talk to the boys but the only person I was interested in was Bex. It's rare to meet someone who can finish your sentences and relate to you so well on the first night. I remember laying drunk in bed over thinking everything and asking (as if I needed permission) "Is it ok if I add Bex on facebook?" I did not need permission and even if he said no, there was nothing that was going to stop this friendship.
We joke that she is both an old lady and child in one body. She was first to go to bed the night I met her (I was probably the second since I fell asleep on the couch, while the boys played video games) but she finds joy and excitement in smallest things. OUr first hang out was going to NIght at the Museum, which upon arrival we realized was totally for kids. Did not matter we had so much fun holding all the spiders and reptiles and talking to the characters that were distributed through out the exhibits. She is so brilliant, I could have spent the whole night listening to her talk about Maori culture, volcanic activity, and New Zealand history. She is a teacher but what makes her so great at teaching is her passion for her subjects.
One of my favorite days with her was a semi-spontaneous trip to KiteKite falls to scout out place her class would be able to measure the waterfall, river and runoff processes (Unfortunately, they were not allowed to do their trip there). This trip with her changes the way I look at nature. She educated me and gave me a greater sense of awareness of my surrounding. We then made our way to Piha beach where we had a picnic and after some rest, she did the childish Bex thing. I can not for the life of me remember the last time I had been boogie boarding, "You're from California! This should be your everyday extreme sport!" There was no saying 'no' to her. She even packed me a rash guard.
I would do anything for more days of boogie boarding and picnics. For lazy afternoons curled up in blankets and beanies while she bakes chili-chocolate chip cookies. To sleep on the couch after a party or whatever random event I steered us too. I am so lucky to have met someone who educates me and sparks such joy in my life.
Between her and her husband, I am never allowed to feel unloved or wanted. I am the steering wheel. I am family. That is why I keep living. Because I am loved. Because I love her too much to let her live a life without me.