Well, here I am…on Valentine’s Day…alone with my animals and loving my life. Housemate is out on a date, and,hopefully, having a wonderful time. I’ve been doing some drinking and thinking…about my life and who I love on this day set aside for all lovers everywhere, and I think I need to blog about some of the most loved people in my life.
I’m thinking first of all about my sons, and must say that I’ve learned to love them…not because they’re my children, but because they are incredible human beings. They are both possessed of such amazing gentle spirits. They have had to deal with so much dysfunction and emotional pain in their lives, and so…they’ve learned about hard things and how to be accepting of those who are dealing with hard things.
And then I think about my two husbands. While it’s true that we couldn’t make our marriages last, we did manage to salvage wonderfully supportive friendships out of our time together. Not everyone can do that. They believe in me…in the person that they knew me to be, and that is something that can’t be measured by cultural standards. No, we couldn’t live together for all our lives, but we care…deeply…about each other, and we made two beautiful sons together. Happy Valentine’s Day R and F…and thank you for what we shared.
Then there is my foster mama. Janie, you took me in when no one else could find a way to do that. Thank you for loving me…and for being there for me whenever I’ve needed you. This woman is an amazing example of giving. You all should be lucky enough to have known her.
I have many friends who come to mind on this day: Melanie, who has become such an incredible force in my life…who has learned all there is to know about McDaniels, and still loves me and sees me as a worthy mentor and friend. Mary, who has taught me so much, and who is there for me when things just get overwhelming. Jerry and Wanda who have added such richness to my experience, and who are so accepting of my idiosyncrasies. Teresa, who was my pastor, and who still loves me even though I told her I had to leave the church because it was interfering with my spiritual journey.
My precious granddaughter and her mother are certainly high on my list of loved ones. Morag has given my son a foundation…a safe haven…more than Icould have ever wished for him. And Katya represents all that I once hoped for in my own life. She is absolutely the hallmark of the future…and I will die happily knowing that she carries forward some of my best dreams.
There is Don…one of the most honest and vulnerable friends I’ve ever had. And Donna, whose skills for parenting put me to shame. And Stacie, who has made me her affectionate mother – after realizing that her biological mom just couldn’t give anything to her.
I can’t forget my four-legged friends, who are always willing to snuggle up close and lick away the tears. Where would I be, here in my old age, without them?
And, most surprising of all, there’s Nola…who I will probably never meet…but who has become so incredibly important to me as a cyber-friend.
Thanks to you all on this day dedicated to love. You have, in various ways, made my life fuller and richer, and I know that I can never repay you for that.
Love and peace to you all!
Pat
