"Many of these times were
during those frigid months
of winter, when the windows
would film up with condensation
from the battle of the warmth
inside our cozy little home
versus the freezing temperatures
outside. Although the world around
us was dying and retreating, inside our home,
was full of life!"
As a kid I remember how much I looked forward to the winter months. I grew up in small towns all over Southern Illinois, the son of a methodist minister and stay at home mom. My Father was and is a very good man, but during my childhood, he was continuously busy, whether it be with the church, the elderly, finishing his seminary degree, or one of the many tiring tasks associated with the profession he chose. That being said, I grew very close to my mother, some would say momma's boy. Call it what you will, my mom and I had good times and made some great memories. Many of these times where during those frigid months of winter, when the windows would film up with condensation from the battle of the warmth inside our cozy little home versus the freezing temperatures outside. Although the natural world around us was dying and retreating, inside our home was full of life.
It did get very cold and often our heater was not efficient. We would wear layers around the house and always had blankets, lots of blankets. MY most favorite time during those cold evenings is when my mom would grab one of our many blankets and neatly tuck it around and over one of the heat vents on the floor. She would let me pick out the T.V. show, then her and I would snuggle under the covers and wait patiently for the heat to kick on. And when it did, it was heavenly and deliciously warm. I remember feeling so good, I never wanted that feeling to go away. To this day I have trouble explaining the sheer joy of that feeling. I also felt very safe and protected especially being next to one of my heroes, my mother. It seems like a small thing and to many people this memory of mine carries no weight or significance, but recently this certain memory has been replaying in my mind regularly and today I figured out why.
Blankets can symbolize many things; warmth, protection/security, love, etc. For me, its all of the above. One of the best physical feelings I can think of, is the feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket. The euphoria of your body heat rising and the way it feels to rub your toes against the fabric of your blanket. Its all very comforting and peaceful. I also remember as a child, my blanket kept me safe. It was my shelter and my body armor against whatever lurked in the dark, of course of which was all in my tiny head. But if I awoke scared I would put my head under and fall back asleep. The blanket has significant power.
Recently I have met a woman. I am 29 and have been in many relationships and dated my fair share of girls and those that think they are women. Regardless, this one is different. She is genuine, she is true to herself, and in doing so, is true to everyone around her. She embodies everything that is lovely about a woman. She is honest and loyal, incredibly beautiful and feisty which makes her sexy as hell. She has heart and soul and she is giving without expectation. She is in fact a WOMAN.
I have come along way in my journey through life. I have learned many tough lessons, been slung through shit and been burned by the devil's minions just like anyone else. Along with those life lessons, one of the most important, is how I have learned to interact with a woman, how to really listen to her, and how important it is to make her feel beautiful and desired. Communication with the opposite sex seems to be one of man's greatest difficulties and mysteries. I will admit that it was a challenge for me most of my adult life. I won't get into details(that is for another time), so you will just have to trust me that I have grown much and gained much wisdom from my good and bad interactions with women. This woman though, makes every mistake, bump in the road, trial and lesson learned WORTH it. She has made me see what a relationship is supposed to be like with a woman. Her compassion and kindness, honesty and love makes me feel like a kid again; wrapped up in that blanket, snuggled up against my mom, hoping the feeling never ends. It feels good, and it feels right.
note:I know this may seem like a strange analogy, but to me this is one of best compliments I could ever fathom giving someone. AND men, Communication is the key to a woman's heart!
