Cindy and I met while laughing.  Loudly.  We found each other after moving to Fair Haven, NJ in 1997 and joining the Newcomer’s Club.  We met many dear friends in those early years of being ‘freshman’ parents together.  But Cindy has staying power.  She is a solid, balanced, caring friend with a sharp mind and a fabulous sense of humor.  Her generosity and grace in sharing and caring for her family and friends make her anyone’s choice to be with.  When I gave Cindy her Cozmeena she politely received it but also kind of grimaced.  It’s not really her thing but she has humored me all these years and worn has worn it anyway.  There are so many stories of Cindy’s and my friendship and Cindy, Ed, Ted’s and my friendship together.  But the most important one of all is that since December 2001, my children and I have spent every Christmas Eve with the Morea’s and their families as adopted  family members.  There are no words to describe what this means to me.  Cindy and Ed have given us a most precious gift: The gift of an on-going Holiday Family Tradition.

Cindy was also the first friend to ride the wave of the breast cancer diagnosis with me in 2009.  She took notes at all the doctors appointments and helped me find my footing in the early months.  Her compassion and empathy soothed my fears and helped to keep me calm though out the experience.