a few words of recognition

The past couple of weeks have held some difficult days for L and me. Family and friends are a very important part of her life, and recently some important members of both categories have moved quite some distance away. This has coincided with the early part of our cohabitation which, despite all the things we both love about living together now, has naturally added to her stress. We've both been making the accomodations in our individual lives inherent in sharing space with another and working on deepening the D/s aspect of our relationship. These things can create trying times in and of themselves. Add to them the additional stressors that L has been dealing with and there's plenty of potential for emotional turmoil.

Throughout all this, though, L has been amazing -- ever sweet, never self-absorbed, always loving and attentive. She's a very strong girl. Yes, there have been times when her anguish has been a bit more than she could handle alone. But it's been a wonderful thing to see the results of simply holding her, giving her some words of encouragement, and assuring her that I will always be here for her. Good therapy and the sort of thing that I thoroughly enjoy doing. It's a dominant's responsibility to be supportive of his submissive, but with L it never feels like a "duty." It is a labor of love.

One other little note of special meaning to me.

Our local group had its monthly gathering a few days ago. We were happy to attend this one after missing last month's due to being out of state. At one point in the evening, she noticed me looking at her and smiled broadly. I smiled back, then reached and touched the D-ring on the leather 'round her neck. "Nice collar," I said. "Thank you," she replied. "It belongs to my Master." It was the first time she'd used the "M-word" in reference to me in a public setting, and it is a moment I will never forget.

posted by John | 9:32 AM [permalink]