Moving around as much as I have, and thereafter, Amanda and I have, makes maintaining friendships challenging to say the least. Most of my friends from my life before Amanda kind of discarded me when I cleansed myself of a couple of toxic people in my life. Taking sides is kind of the story of my life, and much like in grade school dodgeball, it goes without saying that I don't get picked first. 5 years ago this week, I began a relationship with she who would be my best friend for the rest of my life! In our short 5 years, we've lived in 4 cities! Every time, we hope that we can make a few local friends. Given the dynamic of our relationship, it's tricky because contrary to belief, we don't ONLY want to be friends with "people like us". Most heterosexual (or at least non-homosexual) friends that we meet default to wanting to "match" us to other GLBT people that they know. Fact is, we're just a normal couple, leading a normal life, and are content to be around normal people no matter their sexual orientation!
Vandalia is the smallest community I've ever lived in. While there seems to be a nice representation of "like minded" individuals here, we've been very fortunate to meet a handful of ladies who maybe just don't view us as "the gays" and that's a nice change! Along with that, our sweet daughter has made fast friends with one of those lady's daughters! It's not until you become a parent that you TRULY realize the importance of the "quality" of your friends. It's so wonderful to be able to trust that your child's best friend isn't being influenced by someone whose integrity you have to constantly question. This morning I had the joy of witnessing them embrace in a hug as they met to start the school day, reached for each other's hands, and walked hand in hand toward the school!
It's HARD to raise children in the 21st century! So many influences to monitor. So many people who just struggle to make good choices around every corner! That's why seeing that beautiful sight filled my heart with joy this morning and I just had to share it!
Had you told me a week ago what my life would look like today, I would have given you classic Jen-eye and asked but surely enough, Friday afternoon after a whirlwind 48 hours of what ifs, a bright, beautiful, smart, insightful, loving, hilarious little girl moved into our home! We survived our first weekend quite swimmingly if I do say so myself!! I really struggled with how it would feel to have a child around full time and if I really had that "parenting thing" in me. Do I ever! Both of us have adapted quite nicely to our roles and for as long as God will keep her here, we're looking forward starting our new family in our new house as if we're new creatures! Hard to remember what our boring lives were like pre-kiddo! ;)
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