associated in random thought

three years

three years ago, i made a new friend named helen by way of the internets. and what began as a 21st century penpal friendship has become the most meaningful relationship of my life. crazy how that happens, isn't it?

there are many reasons why i never shared that first year of our story realtime on the blog (but you can find it between the lines.) ours began as a relationship between just the two of us. (and jude and marlei, of course.) privacy was necessary, as i told my family and friends, one by one, that i'd met my match. and in that first year, my helen became my best friend through such monumental moments as:

[read in the voice of a devry commercial offering degrees in a/c repair, hotel management, butchering baking or candlestick making]

the long out-coming in nashville;
the ensuing dark night of the soul, as i asked questions like:

1. does God still love me?
2. am i an abomination?
3. can a loving God look down on us and ever say "it is good"?
4. etc.

and she stayed with me!

in the short while we've lived together, we have overcome obstacles like plagues. death and illness and accidents and bankruptcy (mine, btw). hurricanes and humidity, fighting dogs, and weight gain. all this while living in texass.

but do you know what? when i think of us, all i know is love and gratefulness, relief and joy. we are a team. we are a family. (we are a beginning.) helen is my heart and home. and when you see us together, you know it: we're blessed.

[whoever thought i'd understand the love of God so much by being an abomination? joke's on me.]

so, schmelen: here we are. three years and a bazillion more to come. i love you.