I was just walking back from lunch and I had a thought. I love Kristen. Moreover, I had an important corresponding though. I don't tell enough people.
This last week Ayyam-i-Ha has started. Over president's day weekend (Feb 19-21 for those of you across the stormy pond) Rachael and Andrew came to town to hang out with the two of us. Honestly, I know that both Rae and Andrew were not coming to see me, alone. Kristen was kind enough to put Rae up and they had a few good bonding moments, I know. Meanwhile, that Thursday (18th), Kristen's grandfather passed away and her mother announced her decision to move to Phoenix. Yet Kristen perservered and spent many hours with us during the weekend. Despite her emotioinal state and frequent migraines (and my crankiness) she lovingly put up with me (and got a little cranky herself) and played the part of host.
In the last few weeks, which are among (but certainly not) the most strenuous of our lives, Kristen has been kind, generous and sensitive to my equally fragile emotional states. I'm not sure where I'd be without her hugs, her tears, her laughter, or those beautiful eyes. It is encouraging that through these stormy weeks, what with their emotional highs and lows, that we can comfort and support one another. Kristen's tenderness towards my crankiness, her patience in the face of my obstinance, and her gentleness in face of my frustrations and anger, as well as the provision of opportunities to reciprocate such qualities, have been the needed emotional and psychological support that I've needed lately. She's even good about reminding me to pray on a regular basis.
These times, coupled with the Herculean strength of will that Gambia helped us develop, leave me gazing into my future- our future- when I will be able to come home to her instead of leaving my room to go to her's. The comfort of the intimacy, peace, and autonomy over our living space provides me with such hope of a period of peace (honeymoon period). Off into the future we will soon be flying.
These last few days Kristen has been on top of my pulse. Reading my emotions and responding so well. It feels like I've been off lately in reading her, perhaps off in my own world. For Ayyam-i-Ha she got me Romeo and Juliet (C. 1968) the DVD.... hopefully not an omen. And Ani's newest album, "Educated Guess" to which I am currently listening. To top it off she also gave me "Las Palabras Occultas" (the Hidden words). I never realized how much I respond to small gifts.
How lucky I am to have met Kristen. How lucky I am to have chased her. How lucky I am to have been chosen by Kristen. Boredom, loneliness, my night watchmen!
Thank you, Kristen, for loving me
....it brings tears to my eyes.....
I love you.