I met Wendy in 1976 at Cal State University at Long Beach. At the start of the fall semester, all new acting students had to perform a monologue so that the teachers could see what kind of talent was in the theatre department. All of the students were in the audience to watch the performances. I remember doing my monologue early in the evening and was watching all the others perform…Wendy came over and sat next to me. She introduced herself and told me that I did a good job. We whispered back and forth, and then it was her turn. She was very nervous but she was wonderful. I was so relieved that she was good, because it would have been awkward if she had no talent. She and I shared a lot that night and I just remember immediately liking her. We clicked right away and have been friends ever since.
A year later, I asked Wendy to spend the weekend visiting my mom in Ventura. Now, this story is about two girls who were young and who thought they were so cool. I am saying this to remind readers that it was a long time ago and we were very young. Okay…Wendy drove and when we were about a half hour from Ventura, she suggested that we smoke a little. This was something I had never done in the car before. But I learned being friends with Wendy meant that there were many new adventures to face. Wendy lit up and then she passed it to me. I put it to my mouth and when I wanted to give it back to Wendy, I discovered a piece of the hot paper was stuck to my lower lip. I became slightly hysterical and Wendy tried to help me as she drove on the Ventura Freeway, but by the time my lip was free it had been slightly burned. I now had this little burn which I thought was huge and that my mother would easily see. Wendy was laughing and I saw the silliness of the situation, and we both ended up laughing so hard that we almost missed the exit. I think Wendy put something on my lip to hide the red mark, but it just made us laugh harder. My mom saw the mark, but I don’t think she asked what caused it. She may have been afraid to ask.
Wendy has always been very real and down to earth. And she also loved to laugh and tell the filthiest of stories. Wendy’s heart has always been so giving and generous. I always felt so lucky to have Wendy in my life, as I knew that I was the fortunate one.
I like the fact that her birthday is on New Year’s Eve. Number one, it makes it easy to remember. But more importantly, her birthday is a great day of celebration. There are parties, noise makers, music and fireworks because it is the day that Wendy was born. That is certainly a day worth celebrating.
I am honored to be part of this blog and to be part of Wendy’s life. Congratulations, Wendy, on your 55th birthday. And thank you for coming over to me 35 years ago and saying “Hi, I’m Wendy.” Life has not been the same since.
