What I Love....

The Way he understands me.

He gets it. He's been the only one who has, from that January day.

He has patience....especially now.

He has acceptance. No judgement.

He believes in me.

and if he is conflicted...he wants to believe...so he tries. And succeeds.

It means the world to me...so I push harder.

He motivates me.

He inspires me, in ways I never knew.

I want to be more.

I want to be more, with him.

I love our family...combined.

I love his voice.

His laughter is like a gift.

It brings joy, to everyone we know.

I have pride, in what he has accomplished.

I have pride, in his dreams....and in our dreams together.

I have the deepest appreciation for his personal and professional endeavors.

I have found boundless joy, in his love for our children.

I love his smile.

His way of expression.

The way his voice resonates through my body.

The way he makes me think.

We may not always agree, but we have respect for each other.

He exposes his fragile side...of which I will always hold close.

And..from the second first date....he will always be mine, and I will always be his.

I cannot help, but look forward to the future, and all that is in store for us, and our little family.

Chosen Family

Who are the members of your tribe?

They are the ones who will stick by you, NO MATTER WHAT.

We all have demons. Dark moments.

Times when we are "not our selves".

Times when we don't quite know what to do.

Times when we are uncertain of our present circumstances, or how we should handle them.

Tribe members...

They will understand.

They will feel your pain.

They will accept that even though you are suffering, they will have faith that you will pull through.

The reason?

They are of the same tribe.

They've been there.....done that.

And if they haven't...they possess the spirit to comprehend.

This is why they are your chosen family.

If you are lucky, there is at least one tribe member, who is capable of being there with you through it all.

The one who will not ever disappoint. The one who stands the test of time.

They will have the strength, and gift (in my opinion) to tell you "how it is".

The truth is not easy for this mate.

The truth is not easy for the recipient.

However...

The recipient is appreciative of what his/her tribesman has to say.

In fact, the recipient actually feels a deeper respect for the bearer of such advice.

Thats what we do.

I acknowledge that I am blessed. I am fortunate to have a handful (and more) of tribemates...members of the same clan.

Look out for one another.

Connect.

Keep watch.

Guide, and direct where you can.

You never know when it may be needed most.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson