Oh
the trouble I can get myself into!
It's been a year of manic drives, ambitions and emotions. Been cooking
with too high a flame -- LOL.
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
Suggested Reading
The most historically enduring egalitarian love relationship—existing in both patriarchal and sexually egalitarian cultures, both past and present, both tribal and industrial—has been, and remains, committed friendship.
The two unique rings you see before you are designed specifically for this recognition: the recognition of Committed Friendship. These rings are as unique as the circumstances and the two friends that now stand before you.
In many cultures through out history, there is distinction between relationships of sexual intimacy and platonic friendship. As human beings, we have a fundamental need for companionship and support. We have a need for more than simple acquaintances of daily social living or long term friends who watch us age and change. We require a relationship that is mutually supportive through good and bad times.
The Native American Indians had blood brothers & consecrated friends. The native Hawaiian has a variety of “pili hoaloha” (devoted or sacred friends). Of the criteria for marriage, the sacred friendship rituals of the world (including the Chinese) satisfy four of the five: “domestic cohabitation, communal recognition, customary rules, ceremonial inception, and extension in time.” And like all things in life, it is always growing and evolving.
Whether by fate, circumstance, or an answer to prayer, Rob entered my life while we were both students going to DeVry around 1996. If it was just for the fact that Rob is the longest surviving friend I’ve ever had – that is the one that has been able to stay around me the longest – he would deserve some reward for duration.
You don’t always get what you want, but if you try some time, you might just find, you get what you need.
Rolling Stones
Rob and I have been through a lot with each other: family members dieing, supporting each other through sickness and health, growing pains and frustrations, and minor and major life changes and challenges. And over that time, we have become best of friends with room to grow.
To commemorate years of supportive and growing friendship that Rob and I have developed, we have designed a set of rings to be exchanged during this once in a lifetime event.
This briefly describe the rings.
You will see a symbol in the center of the ring comprising three zodiac symbols from left to right: Rob’s Gemini, David’s duel zodiac of Cancer and Leo.
There is a pyramid with three diamonds on either side representing the individual: one for Rob and one for David.
The three diamonds represent the philosophy of three: the most important one here is the physical, mental, and spiritual elements that comprise a person. Three also eludes to the Holy Trinity and to the past present and future. Individually, each of the six diamonds represents a specific value or character that has been a part of our relationship.
Egalitarian love
Support
Patient
Endurance
Uniqueness
Fate
The inscription inside is Latin, Amicus Verus » True Friend
Even though you have a thousand diamonds in front of you, each one is unique. Unique as each individual snowflake is unique. Unique as each individual is unique. Diamonds, just last longer.