I’ve heard it said that people come into your life for a reason. I’ve also heard it said what’s meant to be will be. Those are two of the phrases that I think about when I think about Missy. Those are also phrases that I think about when I think about Tyler and Missy.
Having met when we were freshmen in high school, Missy and I became fast friends; so much so, I actually don’t remember high school without Missy and Missy without high school. She has one of those personalities and laughs that make you feel like you’ve known her your whole life— and I’ve known her for more than half of mine. I’m lucky to have known someone that I can talk to about quite literally anything without feeling the need for censorship, knowing that there would never be any judgement, only genuine and sincere honesty, waiting for me on the other side. From hours in the pool together wearing Speedos we only dream of still fitting into to hours in the car together driving back and forth from Tom Turk’s little sanctuary in Orchard Park, I don’t know that we ever ran out of things to talk about. Until we went to college, where we spent a couple years growing apart, only to grow back together again.
Queue Tyler Firmage— what an f-ing human being. He is in every way her counterpart and her equal, balancing her in every way she both did and didn’t know she needed. He both protects and pushes her, both loves and calls her on her bullshit. He’s the ultimate gentleman and would give you the clothes off his back if you needed them. He reminds me so much of Missy’s dad with his gentle, patient honesty. And finally, he puts all other dog dads to shame.
These two have welcomed me into their arms, their home, their relationship and their lives in every way. Missy came into my life for a reason: to help me survive high school, to lift me up when I need it and understand me when no one else does— our relationship snapping back like a rubber band even after five years of being apart. Tyler came into Missy’s life to make damn-sure she knows how special, courageous, strong, intelligent and weird she is, and according to me, that’s always what was meant to be, for her.
