I do...and good bye.

 Shortly after graduating from college I Dee-jayed at KTRU here in Houston as well as an internet based station. At both stations I had a late-night/AM shift. The chief benefit to the shift in question being that you have the RUN of the station. You can walk around wearing whatever you like, play whatever you wish (provided it's FCC compliant) and not have to worry about the powers that be immediately coming down on you for your actions. While doing this, I spent a fair amount of time online in various chat groups and met some fantastic people from all over the world.

     I was fortunate enough to meet a charming 17 year old German girl whose identity I'll protect by calling her what I've called her since 1998 "Kline Fræulein" (pronounced Kline/a  Fraw/line). She and I talked off and on for the past several years and shared a few moments. She was one of those attempting to cheer me up when the redheaded demon left me, I was one of the man congratulating her when she graduated from both High School and college.

    Our friendship was strictly platonic and our conversations were that of a brother and sister.  When I signed onto Myspace I got a yahoo IM from her and she became one of my first friends. I offered her encouragement as she moved to Hawaii and worked on her masters. While in the 50th state she met a handsome young Marine corps officer and fell madly in love with him and I was MORE than happy for her.

     Earlier this week I logged onto MySpace and my friend's list seemed slightly askew. One of my top tier friends was gone. I looked and noticed that the charming young woman from Deutchland aka "Kline Fræulein" was gone. I went to her page and the saw a glaring message which read "You must be "Kline Fræulein's" friend to view her page and I realized that she'd dropped me from her list. I looked at her new profile pic and noticed her in a simple white dress holding a small bouquet of flowers and standing behind her was her handsome young Marine in his Class D dress blue uniform.

      She'd gotten married. I sent her an email to congratulate her and realize that her friendship was now part of my past. Can men and women be just friends? I'd like to think we can, but can understand how some men do not like for their girlfriends or wives to have single male friends or how married women could share the same sentiment about single women who want to pal around with their husbands. Friends are rare and beautiful specimens who should be appreciated for who they are and loved for all their perks and faults.  I won't lie and say that I won't miss the charming young woman. I feel like a richer person for having known her and while I will miss her...I understand why it ends. Go with God and may your new life and the man with whom you're about to spend it bring you all the joy we both know you deserve. Good bye Kline Fræulein.