Jackie Danicki

Nancy Rommelmann & me

Originally uploaded by dynamist.

When I knew I was making this trip out to Silicon Valley, I emailed Nancy Rommelmann and asked her if she could fly down from Portland to see me. We haven’t seen one another since September 2006, when the above photo was taken. I knew it was a long shot: Nancy’s a ridiculously busy writer, her dad’s just moved to town and is getting settled in, and she and her husband own a very successful, hectic business.

But somehow, the stars aligned and she is flying down here as I type. We have plans for all sorts of fun and trouble-making, but have agreed that what we are most looking forward to is sitting very still, our hands gesticulating wildly, talking and talking and talking.

I told Nancy that I often can’t believe how lucky I am with my friends: to have such good ones. How did this happen? Nancy told me what she used to tell our late friend Cathy Seipp, when Cathy would express bewilderment at the outpouring of love and support during her struggle with cancer: “Do you think this is some kind of fluke? Do you think these people love you for no reason? Is it all a big mistake?”

That is, as it happens, one of my biggest fears. But just for this weekend, I will put it aside. My friend is coming to see me.

Filed under: Life