once upon a time

There was a prince and a princess, reigning over a kingdom inhabited by a mighty kitty.

The prince and princess were very happy together. Day in and day out, they ruled justly, settling disputes in the land and keeping the mighty kitty tame.

Yes, they were happy.

But soon they came to realize that their kingdom was missing something. They shared a bond, but the bond was not official, and their reign had never been sealed by the royal kiss of marriage. Both prince and princess began to think of it, and mentioned it shyly to each other in the quiet times between royal duties.

One day, when the holiday season was upon them, the prince and princess decided to venture outside their kingdom to explore the beautiful wilderness beyond their reign. Wearing their warmest, they trekked into the unknown to see how beautifully the season was being celebrated beyond the boundaries of their land.

All day long, they were enchanted by lights, and greenery, and festive music.

That evening, they arrived at a roadside inn and supped on delicious fare: steak and scotch for the prince, and fish 'n' chips and a champagne lemonade for the princess.

Stuffed full, the pair ventured back out into the cold, until they arrived at the destination they had only heard legends of, the great tree of Christmas, decked with baubles as big as the princess' head and lights glowing with the love of the season.

The prince took the princess by the hand and led her out to the ocean beyond the tree, where fishermen's boats were strung with lights and the cold air was silent around them.

Then the prince bravely and nervously told the princess that he loved her. And he presented her with a ring. She burst into tears. On the spot, they agreed that they would be married, and become king and queen of their humble kingdom.

Then the princess gently reminded the prince that she was very cold and had to pee, and would really like to go home and have some hot cocoa. He seemed pretty relieved.

And so they did.

I cannot tell you what a bittersweet weekend it has been.

My heart hurts for the princes and princesses who will not grow to become kings and queens.

But a wise woman reminded me that love still blossoms.

And we hope that our happiness can be a sign of ever budding love in the world...

We can never be assured of a happy ending...

But we can continue to love and to hope.