One evening my friends, Lamar, Khloe and I were enjoying a light dinner on the luxurious terrace of a certain Beverly Hills hotel. The topic of conversation centered around expectations, commitment and reality. Being the proverbial bachelor, I am often intrigued by confessions of committed love. The way successful couples seamlessly blend the opposing rhythms of passion and compassion into a harmonious, selfless symphony of submission and cooperation leaves me spellbound. For most, it is much easier to walk away than compromise. As we were sharing a hearty laugh, Khloe's sister, Kimberly approached our party.
Alone.
One would think that a beautiful woman such as she would have settled down by now, but those of us acquainted with "the public" know all too well, the complications of celebrity.
"May I speak with you in private?" she asked through tear-filled eyes.
"But of course!" I responded as I wiped my mouth and stood to my feet.
I nodded my apologies as I took her by the arm and headed towards the shimmering fountain in the center of the court.
"I want that." she said.
"I see what Lamar and Khloe have and I want that for me!"
I handed her a handkerchief to dry her eyes while I searched for a few consoling words.
Finally, I spoke.
"Love is akin to a seed planted in the ground, it starts to grow only after it dies.
The pressure of outside forces, the loneliness of isolated darkness... the longing for a greater purpose... such are the symptoms of true love.
The seed must go through dark places and that journey has to be traveled alone, but the determination to persevere is ever present. There is no reciprocity in the ground because the only thing the seed can do is receive.
In time, though, after the seed has gone through the process, it finally breaks free and is ready the greet the awaiting sunshine.
It is ready to contribute as well as receive.
You are that seed.
Enjoy your process and don't hurry it along. Your ray of light is right around the corner."
"You always know just what to say." she laughed as she wiped her eyes.
"I'm going to try to be more patient. Hey, I'm glad we are friends."
I kissed her softly on the cheek as we headed back to the table.
"So am I, Kim. So am I."
