Thank you for being a friend.

There are two TV shows that have had a profound impact on my life. The first is Sailor Moon and the second is The Golden Girls. Sailor Moon taught me to be about romance and a love that transcends time, and it inspired me to draw and write. The Golden Girls taught me about everything else in life.

I’ve been known to exclaim, “That reminds me of an episode of The Golden Girls!” Once, I recommended an episode specifically for my friend before she underwent an operation. I’m not sure if she watched it, but if she had, she would’ve been blessed.

I need to tell you all that The Golden Girls is my best friend. It’s always there when I need it. I can no longer count how many times I’ve watched all seven seasons–I have all the DVDs, but I’m on my second round since the show was added to Hulu.

The first episode I put on last night was a look back at past golden girls’ birthdays. Sweet serendipity, today is my birthday. While I was stressing about how to make the most of my birthday, Dorothy was enduring a birthday party at Mr. Haha’s Hacienda. Wild.

The Golden Girls makes me feel like I’m never alone. They’ve cared for people with Alzheimer’s, they’ve helped suicidal friends, they’ve had their hearts broken more times than they can count. But what keeps it beautiful is their friendship.

When I think of how I want to spend my birthday, I think a lot about the type of environment I’ll be in: a sunny day with only enough clouds to keep your skin from scorching, water, and peace. But then I think about the people I’m meant to spend it with. My mother who always looks out. My old coworkers and current friends who make time for me. My cousin who is bugging me to make plans. My brothers who made the year before last my best birthday ever. My dog, Cleo–shit, her birthday was yesterday! I’m a terrible fur-mom.  And plenty of other people that will probably shower me with texts and Facebook love and induce smiles all day long.

It’s stressful to plan things, but I’m going to make time for my loved ones because they’re what matter on my special day and everyday. As with The Golden Girls, thank you for being a friend.