What Dreams are Made Of

Love....What does it mean to you?
Is it the prepackaged type that you see in movies or read about in romance novels - or the kind that volunteers to stay up late with a sick child so your partner can get some rest?
Does it involve dinners by candlelight and rose petals scattered across the floor leading to a steamy bubble bath - or the kind that cleans up a dirty kitchen so your partner can relax on the couch after a long workday?
Does it mean enduring mediocrity on a regular basis, but gladly accepting special occasion gifts given out of obligation or guilt - or does it mean making a special late night trip to the grocery store on a weeknight, just to get your partner their favorite ice cream? 

Is your love the kind that's supportive of your partner's self-fulfillment, as long as your own identity isn't threatened - or the kind that promotes their personal growth even if it means they may outgrow you?
Does it subscribe to 'working it out' unless you are too tired to talk - or the kind that understands the loss of sleep is a small price to pay for reaching an understanding?

Does your version of love avoid conflict because you'd rather not 'upset anyone' - or is honest enough to call bullshi* on unacceptable behavior?
Does it allow those you love to possess ideals that differ from your own? Does it say "Follow your heart." "Be true to who you are.", and mean it?

Love is personal and is best proven by the substance, commitment and demonstration of the participants' hearts.  

Real Love.  What's your definition?

**A special thanks to Charles and Marie, who challenge me to bring my personal best at all times, and add their vibrancy and color to my own. Your hearts are genuine and prove every single day what real love is.  
You're the best life partners this little girl could have ever dreamed up. <333

Rika

An Open Letter to Charles

Editors note:  In our poly-fidelitous relationship, daily emails between Charles, Marie and I are a standard part of our workday.  Not only does it keep everyone in the loop regarding schedule updates, but we also recap the previous day's events - giving our favorite moments and expressing appreciation for kindnesses shown.  I'm very sentimental and save every one, bringing my inbox count to around 4,000 emails over the last few years!  Below is a letter I wrote to Charles recently, summarizing the many positive ways he has impacted my life:

Dear Charles,

A chance meeting. A promise of More. A life-changing decision.

A heartfelt “Thank You”…..

It’s been almost 4 years since our paths crossed; I’ve never once regretted the choice to give you my heart for safe-keeping, because you diligently seek to earn and protect that trust.  Every Day.

You’ve kept every one of your promises to me from Day One.

You’re my best friend - the kind who took time to get to know the real me; who recognized the value in what others were unable to see.  Who taught me to let go of shadows that were hindering my growth and helped me learn to communicate honestly, based on fact rather than emotion.  Who encouraged me to explore what interests me and form my own beliefs, voice my own opinions.  Who speaks the truth and holds me accountable for my actions.

You've proven that the good guy does win the girl, in this case, girls. ^ . ^

Not by being an egotistical jerk who plays the role of 'king of the castle'.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  For those of us who live with you everyday - you've proven you're both a sweetheart and a gentleman, who consistently demonstrates unselfishness and treats us with respect.

There is nothing generic about your love – romantic and tender, fierce and relentless, but always solid and real, the kind a girl can believe in.  You make a point of finding new and creative ways to express customized care, not only to myself, but to Marie and the boys. The proof that it works is evident in the way Marie’s eyes shine as she showers affection on you; how the boys take every opportunity to engage you in conversation and play; heck, even our crazy little cat even follows you around the house! 

Our relationship has flourished - not because we’re perfect and never disagree, but because we keep communication open and address conflicts immediately.  This method of resolving concern is a direct result of your guidance, and I am firmly convinced it is a key ingredient in our continued success.

The joy we experience has not been without its obstacles.  Our families have raised concerns to our relationship, which is understandable; however, their refusal to recognize us as a family unit combined with their reticence for reasonable discussion has been challenging. 

The resulting rift has been painful for everyone involved.  Yet, when it would have been easier to give in or walk away, you’ve continued to Stand for Love, seeking healing and restoration through countless emails and writings. When your attempts to initiate a dialogue have been greeted with accusations or silence, you haven’t reacted in anger. Instead, you've continued to reach out in love, gently reminding me to never give up. Your tireless efforts at reconciliation speak volumes about the sincerity of your heart. Where others may have failed, you’ve proven how real love can be. You stand head and shoulders above the rest, earning my respect and commitment for a lifetime.

Rika <3

Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty 

Lyrics to 'Right Down the Line'

You know I need your love, you got that hold over me
Long as I got your love, you know that I'll never leave
When I wanted you to share my life, I had no doubt in my mind
And it's been you, woman, right down the line

I know how much I lean on you, only you can see
Changes that I've been through have left their mark on me
You've been as constant as a northern star, the brightest light that shines
It's been you, woman, right down the line

I just wanna say this is my way
Of telling you everything I could never say before
Yeah, this is my way
Of telling you that every day I'm loving you so much more

'Cause you believed in me through my darkest night
Put something better inside of me, you brought me into the light
Threw away all those crazy dreams, I put them all behind
And it was you, woman, right down the line

I just wanna say this is my way
Of telling you everything I could never say before
Yeah, this is my way
Of telling you that every day I'm loving you so much more

If I should doubt myself, if I'm losing ground
I won't turn to someone else, they'd only let me down
When I wanted you to share my life, I had no doubt in my mind
And it's been you, woman, right down the line