Beginnings and Endings

A woman friend is getting married this week. She's fifty years old, with a son in college. Her husband decided he wanted his twenty-something pregnant girlfirend more than his twenty year marriage, so he has been her ex for a couple of years now.
Nina is a woman I admire. She is an outgoing, generous spirit; confident, matter of fact, the mother others hope to be, and oh so funny. She has had tremendous success in her career. She will tell you she is not religious, but that she loves Jesus with all her heart. There is a serenity about her of which I am envious. By all measures, she is a true gem.
After her first date with Ed, she told me I better go buy a dress. They have now known each other for three months. When she announced the wedding plans to me, I am sure she was disappointed in my initial reaction (what are you thinking?). But she is a big girl, and so profoundly and completely sure this is right that I cannot help but be happy for her.
While I am sincere in my wish for her happiness, I have already begun to grieve for our relationship.

Tag, You're Weird!

Sweet Shea has tagged me and I am IT. My first thought was that I would be unable to come up with six weird things about myself. Then the frightening thought occurred to me that there will be probably dozens from which to choose. Now that I am giving this assignment serious thought, I am struck by the notion that “weird” is in the eye of the beholder.

1. I require nitrous oxide for every dentist visit, even routine cleanings. Not just a little bit, mind you – crank that output up to 50%. I tell the hygienist she cannot begin until I can no longer feel my feet.
2. I believe in communication with the dead. I would like to have a session with someone who possesses that gift.
3. I live on a lake and love the beach, but am afraid of the water.
4. I am more comfortable alone in a crowd than surrounded by family and friends.
5. I think I was born 15-20 years late (in my secret life, I sang fabulous duets with Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett).
6. I would rather drive than be a passenger in a car.

The rules were clear for this game – post six weird things about me, then tag six others to read my post and do the same (notify by comment). However, I know only one other blogger and she tagged me, so my contribution will end here. I will enjoy reading others.

What If

In the conflict that has existed since the beginning – good pitted against evil, love or hate, rational thinking versus emotion - there cannot be a complete triumph. One is required for the other to be recognizable. They are fueled by one another. Would life be simpler if there was no dilemma?
What if the scales were off-balance, answers were clear, decisions were made in a cut-and-dried instantaneous flurry? What if analysis were not required? What if one didn't have to wonder?