Twin Stars ~*

She is amazing.  

I thought she was extraordinary when I met her - not only was she willing to give me a chance to join her family, but she encouraged Charles to pursue me. She was involved at every step of the way during the courtship, (literally) hundreds of emails Charles and I exchanged before we ever met.  After many questions, answers and discussions from every possible angle, her words to Charles were, "Go get her!"  

Since then, I have grown to respect and admire Marie on many levels. While Charles is our very own Superman, she is the life-force of this family. Over the last three years plus, she and I have developed an honest, real friendship that has blossomed into one of the best things in my life.

This is a woman with whom I can talk about everything under the sun, who willingly listens and offers advice when needed.  Who insisted from Day One that I take ownership and immerse myself as a member of this household; who honors and respects me as a wife to Charles. In fact, she is currently helping he and I plan a Commitment Ceremony and honeymoon to celebrate my permanent status as a member of our family.

Marie is an assertive personality when needed, but she is also a girl that knows how to be light-hearted and have fun!  She delights in acting silly - dancing around the kitchen like a 7 year old, solely to solicit laughs from Charles and I.  It works every time- we giggle back at her, smiling and warmed – a magic she creates simply by being herself. 

Besides the obvious benefits of the sister I never had- sharing clothes, shoes, makeup and more; we both sincerely appreciate each other's companionship.  We enjoy working together - planting flowers in the yard, washing our cars in the driveway, singing old 80’s songs together in the kitchen (music provided courtesy of Charles) – but some of our favorite times happen randomly, resulting in special memories.

One of our most unforgettable moments happened purely by chance.  We set out to take a walk through a local park and accidentally ended up on a trek ALL around town.  Even though it was in ninety degree heat, we didn’t get grumpy; instead, we made the best of things by chanting military cadences and making faces at one other.  This resulted in ridiculous laughter, despite the weather.  We brought home sunburned smiles to Charles, who laughed at our tale of unexpected adventure.

Just this past weekend, we created another impromptu memory. Charles (the charming gent that he is) escorted the two of us on a casual outing that included grocery shopping for vegetables, followed by a relaxing dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Later, just for fun, we stopped at Toys 'R' Us. While Charles didn't get anything for himself, he did pick up a fun little token for Kaz. Meanwhile, Marie and I happened upon the Play-Doh aisle, where we discovered that we shared a fondness for the colorful dough from our childhood. This resulted in a giggly impulsive purchase, as we remembered its nostalgic smell from our childhood memories.

  

Upon returning home for the evening, we decided there was no time like the present to showcase our artistic abilities! With Charles as our DJ, Marie and I promptly set about crafting little figures at the kitchen table. We sang along to the music and enjoyed ourselves immensely. A few minutes into my creation, my concentration broke as I noticed Marie stealing quizzical glances at my side of the table. Being under the misconception that my final product would confirm my creative abilities, I did my best to block her view, insisting that she wait till I was done. Unfortunately, the end result left no question that my artistic abilities are best left unconfirmed! Marie’s creations were much more at least recognizable!  We had the best time, content to be kids again, recreating a favorite childish pastime.

The true meaning of living 'organically' in the Now: a grocery errand that evolved into a beautiful dinner for three, and ended with togetherness, Dashing-style. 

I never imagined making a new best friend at this stage in my mid-life. While the relationship is often playful and silly, the truth is, she is an exceptional woman who didn't let convention define her family, but fiercely embraced me as her own.

It has been said that a person is fortunate to have one or two good friends during a lifetime. I consider myself lucky to have the best of both worlds. While Charles is the love of my life and my best friend in his own right...

...she is an exceptional girlfriend and my Best Friend Forever.

Rika

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ABOUT THIS POSTING:  

My colleagues at the office are aware of my poly family structure, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. People want to know how it works; how Marie and I are able to share Charles without jealousy. Most people find it hard to believe that it's possible for two women to get along when they are in love with the same man. This is not only my favorite question to answer, but the easiest - because we've proven time and again that kindness wins over petty insecurities. 

Let me assure you; the article above isn’t about me telling anyone else how to live, just about the reality of my life and my family. Such positive feelings about the people you love are appropriate; it doesn’t matter how your family is constructed. 

Family isn’t just a matter of genealogical archetypes, because loving someone isn’t merely about a formula or a license - it’s about the relationship.
The truth about the construction of any relationship is displayed in how you get along, and the love which bonds you together.  
This post is about my best friend, sister and partner -  whatever the label. 
It just means I love her.