Once in a blue moon...

I believe that things happen for a reason... that the experiences that we all go through are part of what makes each of us unique, and what helps to shape the way we look at the world around us.  I also believe that the universe sends us signals sometimes... pushing us forward or pulling us away from certain things.

It has been a long time since I let anybody get close to me... I took a break from the online dating world because I was tired of disappointing first dates and feeling like I was pretending to want something that I really wasn't ready for.  Over the course of this last summer, though, I felt like I was missing something... As much as I love my daughter and our life, and the women who are my closest friends and support, as well as the jobs that challenge me, I felt like something was just missing...

So, I decided to wade into the waters once more... Back to online dating and the endless search for something real.  Imagine how surprised I was to find someone, just days back into the fray, that looked like a good match.  Handsome and smart, dedicated to family, fun and interesting...  He suggested lunch... which turned into two hours of non-stop talk...  Then there was a rainy day date, where the rain didn't even matter.  And then... The lakefront, and dinner, and hanging out at the beach... on a night with a blue moon.

I am asking myself... how did this happen?  Is this real?  Is it finally my time?  How is it possible that this man exists and that the two of us so clearly click with each other?  My instincts say be wary... don't miss something important.  My heart wants to take a chance... I feel like I have finally met someone that is worth taking a chance on.  So, my guard is down... and I am all in.  He is an amazing person, and I believe he is worth taking a chance on.  For the first time in a long time, I feel like not throwing myself into this relationship would be taking the chance at losing what could be the best person that has ever happened to me...  Maybe the universe is speaking to me... and telling me that my time is now.

The (Gross/Christman) Brady Bunch...

Here's the story... of a man named Gross and a woman named Christman.  These two met about 13+ years ago... Both of them had been through similar experiences... they married young and raised three children each, and found themselves in marriages that did not quite "work".  I have heard my step-mom Sue say time and again, "...on the second date with your Dad, I knew we would be together forever".  And the love story goes on from there... they have now been married for 10+ years.

This love story is special, because it is not just about bringing two amazing people together... it is also about bringing two families together.  I always wondered what it might be like to be a part of a large family... When my dad and Sue got married, I found out.  All of a sudden I had two more brothers and a sister.  In the early days, we didn't know each other well, and the ties that connected us were really through our parents.  But something slowly changed over time...

Through Christmas' and Birthday parties, the annual Family Camping trip, and other Family events... we became our very own "Brady Bunch".  We got to know each other...and appreciate the things that make each of us special.  Here's what I know about my brothers and sisters...

*Pete:  My true brother... good to the core of his soul, and so very supportive of his family.  Accepting of everyone and always someone you can count on.

*Mike:  Brother by marriage... he is the strong, silent type... firmly behind his convictions and not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

*Jay:  Who is more fun than Jay?  Loyal and true, with the very best heart... and can be counted on to support his family through anything.

*Sara:  Our long-distance sibling... connected by love, and shared experiences... She is not just my sister, but a soulmate.  While distance keeps her apart from all of us... it makes her no less a part of this family.

*Candy:  Our baby sister.  Strong and smart... Loyal and true... If anyone messes with any of us, I hope they are prepared to deal with Miss Candida.

And where do I fit in?  Oldest, technically.  I love this family... We have grown together, learned to appreciate each other, and to support each other.  This Summer has given us opportunities to grow even closer... Two weddings mean that I have even more sisters...  Bobbi's marriage to Jay, and Lisa's marriage to Mike, have grown our family further.  And we are so fortunate to add two new cousins to the mix, too... in Lisa's daughters, Samantha and Lucy...who finally make Miss O NOT the only girl.

This is my family... A family that came together by Chance.  I am not sure how the rest feel, but I feel fortunate... to have a step-mom that I love as much as my own, and the opportunity to find out what it is like to have a large extended family.  These are MY brothers and sisters...and I am lucky to have them all in my life.