Gabrielle Baldino...what lovely woman. Smart, gorgeous, sexy, sweet, and of course, funny. Gabrielle is one of those people who have a laugh and smile that are so infectious, you can't help but join in. For the better part of my youth Gabrielle and I lived about a block away from each other and as long as I have known her, there isn't a single memory I have of her that isn't a swell one. One of the times that I remember being quite enjoyable was when Gabrielle, Jenna, my buddy Theo, and I were all over her house hanging out her pool during the summer of one year in middle school. I don't remember the details of the day really (besides being a teenager and enjoying being in the presence of some fine looking ladies in bikini's, obviously) but that doesn't really matter. What I do remember is the four of us hanging out for several hours, laughing and pretty much just enjoying Gabrielle's company as I always have.
After high school, going to different colleges and what not, I haven't seen Gabrielle too often, but every time I do, it seems like she always looks better and I get a little nostalgic when I see she's still wearing that trademark smile. I most recently saw her this past summer when I was running through the old neighborhood, and we talked for a little while, catching up about things. It was great to hear she was doing well, and when I told her about my upcoming move to Grand Rapids, she was her usual awesome self telling me about places to check out when I got there. Gabrielle is an easy girl to miss, because when she's around, I don't know...you just feel a little bit happier. Here's to hoping we run into each other again sooner rather than later.
Cheers,
Andrew
