Sunday, September 30, 2007

From Al...one of my mentors in how to make a relationship last...

Al is a dear friend of mine that has been a relationship mentor and friend to me over the years and helped walk me through or past 2 long term relationship break-ups. He is one of those angels that gathers souls around him. Actually female souls now come to think of it, are there even any other men on those morning rides for coffee? (Just kidding.) He is famous for lifting you up and getting you back on track or sometimes as hard as it has been...to wake you up and say "what the heck are you doing?" like you will see below. When I think of what the perfect relationship should look like I have my parents who have been married for 49 years and then there is Al and his wife. Al is a husband, father and grandfather and can relate to woman more than any man I have ever met. He gives wonderful advice on men, woman and relationships for he educates himself on how to be the best at it (yes ladies there is a man in this world that educates himself on woman). He would hate for me to tell you that he loves chick flicks, writes poems and is the one that introduced me to the CD of Serendipity, which continues to be my favorite movie. But he would also want me to tell you his nick name is Mountain man so he is a man's man too;-). So here are his comments to me from the "with every good-bye" and then the "soul mate" letters...thank you as always Al and this time for allowing me to share.

PS: what was that thing about patience again:-)? I know you keep reminding me of it:-). Plus Al...can you remember to tell me tomorrow what exactly is the universe trying to say to me by having that poem keep coming back to me...how much more learning do I have to do, I have already mastered the good bye part and the learning...although each man does get better than the last so maybe...

To my friends, Enjoy Al's words of wisdom...

D,

Life & Love: A Fine Art in Which There Are No Classes

Sometimes the "universe" speaks to you or maybe it's your friends who view things differently from a step back. The poem "With Every Goodbye" keeps coming back for a reason. I gave you a copy when you and Dave broke up. Later you asked me for a copy when you and Tony were splitting, and now you get another copy. Interesting.

As far as the soul mates concept............... I think the "sweeps you off your feet, takes your breath away and makes your knees weak" is simply the chemicals that come with infatuation and physical attraction. A serendipity moment often found in movies. While you may feel that this is all it takes for a Camelot life of love, it's only the first step of many needed for a lifetime of commitment. There are several stages of love, from the chemical/infatuation one to final mature love which is what we all want. You might make it in 4-5 years if you're 50, widowed and had it before, but for most it comes gradually over a period of years, often so slowly that you may not realize when you have arrived. It takes work and an investment of time, understanding, and introspection.

May you find the patience to let it develop.

As always, a few years older,

A