FamiLee Life

Happy (Angry!) Thanksgiving

From Angry Little Girls (formerly Angry Little Asian Girl) by Lela Lee.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I want to wish everyone a Happy (Angry!) Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Of all the things, I am most thankful for my friends because it was a very, very hard year for me, but they were there for me, especially my boyz (Ken, Mike, and Ed). Around this time last year, we started to meet on Wednesday nights for a "guys night." Initially, we met at Dulono's Pizza for pizza, beer, and rambling conversations. Then, we began to explore the borders of Lyn-Lake and beyond, checking out the Country Bar, the Ballentine at the VFW, Chatterbox, and most recently the U Otter. Why these divey neighborhood bars? Karaoke! But more importantly, every Wednesday, I got to know them better and better and gradually over time these friendships have kept me afloat through some rough waters.

As an Asian American man, there is something special about finding fellow Asian American men with whom I can identify and appreciate. We are each different in lifestyles (single, married, divorced, partnered) and careers (writer, painter, web developer, professor), but we share a lot of common core values, experiences, and interests. Our conversations are always intelligent, enriching and lively. Our camaraderie unmatched. And, of course, we've got each other's back.

It is sort of like having brothers only perhaps better. As an old friend of mine said to me about why he and his friends all bought homes on the same neighborhood block, "You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends." I have to agree with this statement.

It is hard to find good, close friends. However, when you do, don't let them go. Hold on to them and cherish them because it becomes harder and harder to meet such people as one gets older. In my younger years, I used to befriend all sorts of people but many times those friendships were convenient or superficial. They lacked depth, commitment, and honor. It kept me from being bored on the weekends, but they didn't really know me well (nor I them). Nowadays, my circle of friends is smaller but tighter and more rewarding. Through them, I have gotten to know myself better and grown immensely. They've kept me real. I also think I have become a better person in society which really says something about these guys.

So, thanks for friendships (and family). Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Posted by richlee at November 23, 2005 10:35 AM