K^2 have been in and out of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Katie since we were kids, when her dad was leading Cub Scouts, and Kat and I formed a close bond through gym class in high school. These girls have always had various roles in my life and, to the present day, are still leaving their mark.

Let’s start with Katie. Katie was always the mother figure of the friend group. She was always willing to take care of those in need, especially at house parties. Throughout our years of friendship, Katie would act as a therapist for me, predating my mania exposure, a bar hopper, and, most importantly, a dear friend. Just recently, I was reunited with her for a wonderful lunch, and she was still looking to take care of me. She showed me wedding awnings  I could use for my wedding, and I showed them to my Katie, and lo and behold, Mother Katie comes through in the clutch again—taking care of her children.

Kat, on the other hand, is the goofy one of the K^2 unit. I remember distinctly having many conversations full of laughter and stupidity in our younger days. The key you need to know about Kat is she always just wants to make people laugh, succeeding in this endeavor most of the time. She was always so easy to talk to and supportive. Shocker—she became a mental health professional. Even though, throughout the years, we didn’t talk as much as I did with Katie, there was still love for each other. There would be reach-outs here and there, and she really supported me in all of my Kramer endeavors. That’s a true friend.

I’m so grateful I have reacquainted myself with these wonderful people. They were such important friends in my youth that I can’t see myself growing up without them. I just wanted to thank you, girls, for bringing me comfort and joy over the years. It’s an honor and a blessing. Here’s to many more years of laughter, happiness, and Katie playing the mother role at all future parties!