Unconditional

John and I are fortunate to have families that love us.  John even gets two whole families.  The boys think it is special that Daddy, like them, has 2 moms and 2 dads.  We always tell them that " you can never have too many people that love you."  I am so lucky that we are close to my family, where we are also loved.

Then add to that that John and I, throughout our lives have been fortunate enough to have been adopted and loved unconditionally by folks who have purposefully or fatefully entered our lives by choice.  Most notable were the old timers of Eastern Oregon, like Tom and Larry, but other folks like Jody, Charlie, Kerri, and Jim.   But at that point it was just the two of us.  For what ever reason, I think it is easier to adopt and love in smaller groups.

Now that we are a family of four, this level of acceptance is rare.  Not because people are bad, or inconsiderate, but because for unconditional love of a family of four to happen, a lot must line up correctly.  We are all very different with strong personalities.  It is complicated to find a good match, or a heart and mind big enough to love us all.

Fortunately, there are two amazing people (and I am sure others) that came into our lives, and have shared their love with us unconditionally.  It is powerful, it is peaceful, it is reassuring, and comforting to have permission to be raw, real, beautiful, ugly, in charge and out of control and to still be loved and appreciated.

We spent two of my last three days of summer with our dear friends at common ground.  We were all recharged, invigorated, true to our own selves and probably most importantly loved for exactly who we are and will become uncondtionaly.