Brenda Gray

is honored with a Brick from Marti Farha Ammar.

Brenda Gray is my best friend and dear heart, whom I've known for almost twenty years. We got to know each other through our children; raising them together, car pooling them to school, and worrying about every aspect of their health and development. Soon we were not only acquaintances through the children, but we began hanging out together, going places, constantly discussing the world around us. We share political ideas, remedies to social ills, and, many times in isolation, we are each other's best support. Now Brenda often knows what I'm thinking before I even say it. She has been with me through everything. She is my confidante, counselor, sister, and friend.

When we go out together, her tallness and my shortness stand out! The first time we went anywhere together, and the evening became cold, I offered her my blazer. "What do you want me to do with it?" she said, "Wrap it around my head?" Since then the difference in our sizes has been a constant source of amusement to us, and a source of amazement to onlookers who can't fathom the teasing affection underneath the "insults." Brenda's worst critique of something is that it is "little" or "short," with the words drawn out for emphasis.

Brenda is not only one of my heroines, but she is also a heroine to her family. She's a wonderful daughter, sister, and a terrific mother. She is beautiful, wise, smart, and fun. We've always come to back to each other through hard times in the past, and today we promise one another that nothing will ever come between us again. If there is anyone in this world that I know will make me laugh and rejoice, it is Brenda. No matter how difficult the times, Brenda and I can always find something to laugh about and enjoy. Brenda will be my friend - and my heroine - forever. I love you Brenda!

Submitted by Marti Farha Ammar

August 12, 1998