I met Assefa on a plane. A very large black man, with kind eyes and a ready laugh. I loved him, a coffee farmer from Ethiopia, married with three kids. We spent a few hours together sharing our story. We had lunch together and then ran in different directions to catch our connecting flights.
I have not forgotten him. I will never forget.
Assefa taught me that love does not see colour. He taught me that life is short. Every moment should be seized with both hands and enjoyed to the fullest. He taught me to find beauty in the little things.
I love him still.
I met a pirate in a bar. He was tall and sexy, I climbed on to a chair to get my photo taken with him. I loved him, an actor from Las Vegas. We danced under the stars and played together until the early hours of the morning.
I have not forgotten him. I will never forget.
My pirate taught me to follow my heart, to take a risk. He taught me to use my voice and ask for what I want. He taught me that love does not have to be reciprocated to be real.
I love him still.
I met Peter Pan on a rainy summer afternoon. I loved him, a young waiter in an empty restaurant. We laughed together as he spun me in circles around the dance floor.
I have not forgotten him. I will never forget.
Peter Pan taught me that love does not see age. He taught me to believe in a love out of time. He taught me to feel safe and special. He gave me hope.
I love him still.
I met Tweedledee in a bar when i was drunk. He took me home and tucked me into bed. He lay beside me and listened to me. He shared his stories with me. He kept me safe then walked away. He taught me that there are people worth trusting.
I met Tweedledum on vacation and walked on the beach with him. He taught me not to trust blindly. He taught me that it is okay to walk away.
I met a Neanderthal by accident. A small man with a big personality. He taught me to forgive when I am hurt.
I met Tyler in jail. We did yoga together. He taught me that there is good in everyone, no matter their past, their present, their future. Everyone has worth.
I met 'Fat' Norm over tea. He wasn't fat at all. A kind man, married with five children, still battling demons from his past. We talked for hours, about everything. He taught me that everyone has wounds.
I have not forgotten. I love them still.
Men who have touched my life so briefly, just for a moment, to teach me the lessons I needed to learn.
Love comes in many different packages. Never the same one twice. There's always a lesson to learn.
Forgive but don't forget.
Love but be willing to let go.
Speak your truth with kindness.
Ask for what you need.
Don't judge based on appearances.
Don't judge at all.
Live life to the fullest.
Keep your heart open.
Love is a gift. Unwrap it carefully and gently. Cherish it and then let it go when the time is right.
