Devotion

"Thanks for showing up as a steady, 
uplifting, 
caring,
and supportive person in my life. 
I likely don't realize the full extent 
of the benefit of your presence 
in my life," 
he shares with a sincere intention 
to communicate 
gratitude.

"Thank you for sticking it out, 
for not giving in to the voices 
calling you to shut me out
when you've felt 
the worst 
during all the years
we've known each other.
Thank you for giving us a chance
to prove 
to ourselves
and model 
to our child
that a great relationship -
with its playful ups
and mostly graceful downs - 
is possible
between people
who once were too wounded
to carry on as it was.
That a strong foundation can be built
on the ground where once 
there was none.
That in all the swaying, 
we only grow stronger, 
because the more we are able to bend,
the less likely 
we are to break under pressure.
Thank you for this dance.
May it last a lifetime." 
She responds as she imagines 
her heart wrapping itself around 
all of their past hurts
and misgivings. 

As the day comes to a close,
they shift to a conversation
of less significance.
While the words that follow
might not be remembered,
what will stay with them for a while
is the feeling of safety.
There is boundless love nestled
in their hearts,
reminding them that they already have
all that they have been searching for.

2020