DatingJosh

I just booked a flight to Phoenix in order to partake in the Gala of the century: the engagement party. My brother and his new fiancée will be basking in the collective radiance of our 2 families in the form of numerous events celebrating both their engagement and their impending move to Philadelphia. I was subpoenaed, er, my presence was requested by the groom-to-be. He is not messing around; he is even doing a little fund-raising to help pay for my ticket. I can just imagine Ross with a dented tin can and a dirty sign around his neck, panhandling at Starbucks to scrape together my plane fare!

My mother is hosting a gathering next weekend that I unfortunately will have to miss. She is so cute; she sent out evites. And, as if on cue, without even being asked, she sent an evite to Kim. She has been so wonderful and supportive these past few weeks. I get a constant stream of text messages throughout the day while I am at work, each one full of encouragement. I think she is almost as upset as I am.

My mother fell in love with Kim instantly when we came in for her wedding last May, and they spoke and emailed frequently until the unfortunate, abrupt end of our relationship. I know that Kim still spoke to my mother about me, us, and her feelings for some time after; I only recently found this out. This is why you should always listen to your mother – she knows best, idiot! I knew that, even though she supported me, she hoped I would come to my senses and realize how special, wonderful and unique Kim is in time to find a way to work things out.

As we now know, mom, I waited just a bit too long.

My mother still refuses to believe that Kimberly is forever gone from our lives. She believes that Kim just needs more time and space to sort out her thoughts and feelings; that, in due time, Kimberly will come to embrace the love that I offer and shed her fear of opening her heart to me.

I hope you are right, mom. I wish it every night as I drift off to sleep.