when good things happen to good people

I could write pages exclaiming my pride, adoration, and all around giddy happiness about the accomplishment last night of one of my very best friends, Nikki.  We met as little freshmen in NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 1999.  For over a decade now we've been the greatest of friends, and I've actively watched her career ups and downs, never doubting her talent, always hoping the next break would be the Big One.  And now it is.
Last night the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical was bestowed on my girl.  Her name now joins a list of talent like Gwen Verdon, Bebe Neuwirth, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Lauren Bacall, Liza Minelli, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Kristen Chenowith, Idina Menzel, and of course, Audra McDonald.  Heroes to little girls everywhere dreaming of a life in the theater.
I couldn't be more happy for you, Nikki. Your acceptance was heartfelt, genuine, and 100% you. I loved every second of it. I may have even replayed it this morning and cried all over again!

(photo courtesy of the Wall Street Journal, 6/13/2011)