You know, Duty and I have a rather un-traditional like marriage. I hate cooking and cleaning so … I generally don’t do much of either. He loves order, routine and talking to strangers at every opportunity. I live immersed in books and he has read perhaps three during the almost eight years we’ve been together. He is grounded and stable and predictable. I am … not so much any of that.

Suffice to say, we are pretty much opposite in every way imaginable. Yet, somehow, the Universe has decided that we had things to learn from each other and put us together. There have been times where I questioned that wisdom and I can tell you he has as well. Our marriage is not like most others I know. But it seems to work and bring out the highest good for each other. He loves me dearly and supports me in being the very best Lisa I can be. He’s a mentor, a teacher, a friend and the one who holds my heart. The day that Lauren passed away, I collapsed in his arms, weeping with grief and despite probably feeling much the same way, he stood strong and held me up. As he always does when I need that. It’s as if I am on a swing and he is behind me, pushing me fast, exhorting me to go HIGHER! HIGHER! HIGHER!

And I am the one that goes in to his heart, snuggles in there and invites him to come in and be loved. Be loved fully and completely. Something he has not often felt. The day will come when I am the one who stands strong while he leans on me. Because that is what we do for each other.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, I am in gratitude to Mother/Father God for my husband, my partner, my best friend. We may not have a lot in common on the outside but our hearts know we are bound together. And who am I to doubt the wisdom of the Universe, hey?

I love you, Roo. Monkey Truth.