Yesterday evening we were talking about those" little nothings which mean big somethings to us" and we froze at how frustrating it is to play crosswords armed with dictionaries and still not be able to find that elusive 'across' 4 letter adjective. I had to leave but I wish I could have stayed longer. The conversation had started earlier on about the precise dosage of ginger to use in a tea infusion to combat a cold. Actually, she did have a cold and I had asked her if she wanted me to rub her back with termozèn (tiger balm). we couldn't find any so I massaged her hand throughout our conversation and felt as if I was 10 again, back to the innocence of childhood.
I was in primary school when Momonne and I befriended each other and I spent the following 15-20 years decorating her xmas tree and helping her out with her greeting cards. If I recall I must have penned wishes to approximately 500 persons on her behalf - so much for my good karma. Over the years, the decoration on the xmas tree slowly metamorphosed from mundane & boring tones to flashy acid colored ones culminating in a 1992 masterpiece worthy of Lady Gaga's admiration had she been around at that time. The angels looked like vicious little cross-dressers and Virgin Mary for some unknown reason and to her dismay and disapproval donned a pink fluo cape. She did look pretty upset under that tree but...whatever, our eyes gleamed with pride and delight as the peach melba star shimmered atop the tree. Those garlands and other pieces of art were the only affordable 'made in china' stuff we could get from the stores. That was long before Chong & Sons became the go-to place we know now.
Momonne was not the only friend I had at La Maison d'Entraide, Avenue des Talipots. Gladys, Marguerite, Lise and Denise were there also. Gladys and Marguerite have passed away and Lise has left to find an apartment of her own. Momonne was my instant coup de foudre amical right from the beginning; a jovial, fun loving, crazy, generous, good-hearted, open-minded individual who remains unique in every possible manner, my karmic connection in this world. She is a wonderful soul who chose to hold my hand and help me define the person I was meant to become. No wonder she holds a irreplaceable spot in my heart and will always be my favorite human being.
