having nevr met you all i know and can say about you, lovely lady, is that your presence online and your words, the moments you share bring my life a comfort not unlike a prayer brings, full of hope and faith for the future -- your moments of wifeness, and mommyness inspire, and your honest and clear assessments of being make me feel less alone in my existence. I'm thankful nough for shea but thankful ever so muh to her for introducing me to you. thank you.

A testimonial for Alegra, my Souliest of Cosmic Soul Sisters and My Partner at the Deep End…

Because of something I read this morning I feel compelled to write a testimonial for this woman, Eros-Alegra, I love so very deeply. And as I sit here now, this evening, I find myself at a total loss for how to put that love into words.

I am blessed and grateful to claim more than a decade with Alegra by my side (even in the later ‘across-the-freaking-world’ years). Years marked by instant and mutual curiosity about each other, into infatuation, into a deep commitment to love and support and grow with one another in a way I have never experienced in any relationship before her – with either friend or partner. So when Alegra says she doesn’t know who she would be in this moment if a series of events had not brought us together ten plus years ago, I have to say the same. I have no idea who I would be today if I hadn’t had the (often times way too perceptive a) mirror of my Sister By Choice to show me what was up. And believe me, she doesn’t hesitate or mince words – and she expects no less from me in return.

Those of you who know me as well know that I can be a little, well, intense. Alegra taught me (by example) to not only be comfortable in my intensity, but to embrace it and to seek it out in others. Because that’s where she lives, too. She showed me that we got us some intensity gills, and sure, most folks think we look freaky with ‘em, but that they’re actually beautiful because we can breathe there, in the deep, where others can’t. And if you read her words, you know what I’m saying here. So… that said…

This morning I read these words by Mark Nepo, “Oh the heart like a whale has no choice but to surface. Or we die. And having surfaced, we all must dive. Or we die. And more than books or flowers or thoughtful gifts that show I know you, the dearest thing I can give you is to surface with the sheen of my spirit before you. And so I look for the truest friendships, watching the deep for spirits to surface all wet with soul. “

Get it? That IS Alegra. How could I read those words and NOT think IMMEDIATELY of Alegra? She comes up from the deep, all Wet With Soul. And if you stand close she’ll get you wet, too. If you’re really lucky, on her next surface, she may let you jump on and catch a ride on the next dive. Hang on, it’s beyond worth it.

I Love You Alegra.