Super Heroes - Part II (by Lori)

PART II (by Lori)
Kim N.

Heroes rarely show up overnight, and my deep friendship with Kim is no exception. Rewind the tape to 1979 at Texas A&M: We both knew our friendship would be long and enduring based on our first meeting: I was amazed at her hairstyle (beautiful French braiding) – she pined for my handbag. Girlfriends for life!

Through the years, we kept in touch – she, as her marriage took her around the world from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the highlands of Scotland. All the while, she was raising three beautiful daughters – and this is where my awe and appreciation for Kim took hold.

Kim is a mother in every sense of the word. What I have found over the years watching Kim with her family, are three tenets that shape her and also, guide my hopes to motherhood.

Ferocity: I have visited Kim over the years and her daughters are a constant stream of energy that runs through her friends, her home, and her life. She protects her girls (young women now) not by putting up walls or an impenetrable moat but by being involved in every part of their lives. This could lead some to be overbearing, but you see the small conversations in the hallway, or at the end of driveway, or in the kitchen: a Mother engaged, involved and protective.

Loyalty: Kim’s daughters possess the security and trust that come from Kim’s constant love. Her family, in whatever form it takes and to everyone it embraces, blossoms with her kind sense of dedication. Kim’s shining loyalty has given her girls a strong foundation and a compass for me in building my family.

Unconditional Love: There are many attributes that define Kim and if you were to add them up, it would equal unconditional love; a love that once and for all sees her family and friends as extensions of her own being, and thinks and acts in their best interest. When the nest starts to empty, her love is not negotiated; when boyfriends enter and exit her daughter's lives, her love is not circumstantial; when life pushes her into corners, her love is not wavering. That is what I want for Chris and I, and Kim is my example on how to do this as a mother.

Being a mother is a daunting concept, regardless of how your child is gifted to you. However, I know and am comforted that my friend Kim stands behind me, irrespective of time and distance, to be my compass and to light my course.



Tom and Sarah
Did I mention Hollywood human slavery? This story starts off in the darkest corners of Hollywood. Years ago, I was introduced to Tom after being traded for a Tarzan Doll to work for him on a holiday feature. Tom was my new boss and I was joining his crew as a set designer. You’ll have to ask us later about the Tarzan Doll angle.

From that moment forward, every major moment in the relationship between Chris and I has been when I was working for Tom.
- Jingle All the Way – Chris and I broke up (the first time we were dating).
- Scream III – Chris and I were engaged and married.
- Hollywood Bowl Concert – the first night we started our IVF process was, coincidently, the same night at the Bowl with Tom and Sarah.
- Eli Stone – the start of our adoption journey.

It’s gotten to the point that now whenever I get a new job on a film or television show, Chris always asks if Tom is on it – that way he knows if something might be happening in the next few months.

Did I mention serendipity? Some people think that life is just a series of serendipitous events – unrelated to each other– just chance. To believe that would diminish one of the dearest friendships we have. In each of the above circumstances, Tom and his wife Sarah were the first to know and the first to extend their kindness and unconditional friendship.

Did I mention being blessed? Sarah is one of the loveliest blessings. Sarah is filled with generosity and a creative spirit that reflects the love she has built with Tom. We always look forward to birthdays or special events because we’re lucky enough to receive one of her unique and handmade cards. She teaches at FIDM in Los Angeles and her students are better because of her perspective, challenges, and passion.

Did I mention passion? One word – Nola. Our best dog friend that has raised Tom and Sarah into the lovely couple that they are. Nola rules her world and we are all in the service of the Queen.

Did I mention Tom and Sarah? For us, Tom and Sarah reflect what a loving couple looks like. They are just like all of us – trying to find their way through life. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. What sets them apart is the way that they respond to each other. They are always kind and supportive of each other – even when you’re not looking. They build each other up, which makes them great company and great friends. They give total support to each other and that overflows into our lives and showers us with serendipity, blessings, passion and Tom and Sarah.

Did I mention adoption? When reflecting upon our friendship with Tom and Sarah, you’d swear we were talking about family. We are. As we are adopting our new child, he or she will be adopting Tom and Sarah as their uncle and auntie.

Did I mention how happy that makes us?