Friends of Tbear

The first date - Kj's perspective I showed up at the restaurant early because I was nervous as heck to be meeting up to hang out and chat with such a... View More

The first date - Kj's perspective I showed up at the restaurant early because I was nervous as heck to be meeting up to hang out and chat with such a handsome and charming guy! Originally we were supposed to only be meeting up for a drink, yet the bar area was overflowing. So, I messaged Chris and asked him if he wanted to grab dinner as the restaurant host mentioned that he had a table opening up. Lucky for me, he accepted! Dinner time conversation was incredibly easy and was filled with laughter. Mostly because I HAD NO IDEA THAT IT WAS AN ACTUAL DATE! It wasn't until mid meal when Chris reached across the table and grabbed my hand that it struck me that we were out on a date together! After dinner, Chris walked me to my car. We kissed goodnight. And kissed and kissed and kissed! When we finally left each other to jump into our separate cars, I had to sit still for a bit. I was seriously dizzy and filled with an emotion that left me breathless! From that very first date and kiss, I *KNEW* that Chris was special. He has become my best friend, my partner in crime, the man whom I call home. He is my greatest love story. To Have and To Hold One of the most cherished items that we share is a simple gesture. It happens daily and if we are lucky on weekends multiple times a day! It is a small celebration of sacrifice, time and energy spent and an appreciation of the other person: Kiss the cook. It doesn't matter who does the cooking (Although for the most part, Chris mans the oven and Kj is often found at the sink afterwards cleaning up). In that moment before sitting down to eat and share time together, we put aside the hustle and annoyances of the day and refocus on what truly matters to us: each other. As the wise Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” and we are determined to not to miss a moment together. For Richer, For Poorer - Kj's Perspective My past was difficult and challenging and it left me with a horribly scarred vision of family love. My fear of being hurt left me reclusive and distrustful. Over the years I created a wonderful network of friends that I would cherish as my chosen family who helped love and guide me and I am forever honored and grateful for their deep love. Yet no matter how fiercely my chosen family loved me, there was a hole in my heart where the treasure of family by birthright ought to have resided. I was at the time, poor as poor could be. Yet in all honestly, it was my own darned fault because I didn't give many family members a chance to get to know me as the man that I had become. Along came Chris with the Cockshaw clan in tow! Each one of them was a priceless gem. Each gem uniquely flawed which made them sparkle and shine in beautiful ways. I saw how they filled Chris' chest and found myself aching to become a part of his abundant treasure. In time, I was nestled among them and seen as one of his priceless gems. It was a beautiful gift to be accepted and loved by Chris and his family, yet that is not how Chris bestowed riches upon me. Chris actively challenged me to reach out and open my head and my heart to my own family. Each time that we hung out together, we all got to know each other more and more. Sharing our laughter, sharing our stories, acknowledging our past and sharing our pain. It was as if we spent time carefully inspecting and polishing tarnished stones. Those stones that once looked gritty are now nestled as cherished gems in my own treasure chest shining next to Chris, my chosen family and the entire Cockshaw clan. I am so blessed to have Chris in my life who patiently helped me redefine my vision of family love. I feel as if I am the richest man in the world! Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.” – Wanda Hope Carter