When the "Stars" Align

I was on pins and needles waiting to hear the decision.  My heart was in my throat, racing, and pounding out of my chest, all at the same time. It was only a matter of seconds, but it seemed like an eternity passed waiting for the announcement.  It probably seemed like an eternity because I was holding my breath.

“And Mirrorball Trophy goes to….”

Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat….. Beat

“MERYL AND MAKS!”

A wash of relief flowed over me, followed by an illogical kind of euphoria.  I LITERALLY whooped, threw my hands in the air in victory, and shouted “YES!”

Meryl Davis, Ice Dancing Olympic Gold Medalist, and professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy had won Dancing with the Stars.  It was as it should be and in Maksim's case, long overdue. All was right in the DWTS universe.

By far and away Meryl was the best dancer of this season’s lot (no one else even came close), but that doesn’t always guarantee a win for a DWTS celebrity contestant.  Furthermore Maks had inexplicably never won a season in his 14 seasons on the show, and there was the fear that this season would not break this unenviable streak.

There was an absolute palpable magical chemistry between Meryl and Maks, on and off the dance floor.  Their relationship was captivating to watch.  Both tough-as-nails professional athletes, their personality styles couldn’t be more different.  She was soft and gentle and kind, while he is the direct and unapologetic “Bad Boy of the Ballroom."

A funny thing happened on the way to the Mirrorball Trophy for Meryl and Maks.  He brought her out of her shell.  She brought out the softer side of him.  We saw Maks as he was when he really cared for his partner.  It was a beautiful transformative process, and it was breathtaking to witness.

Meryl and Maks winning DWTS was not the only occurrence that put things right in the universe on Tuesday. A judge overturned Pennsylvania's ban on gay marriage, making it legal for same gender couples to marry in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Finally.  There was great jubilant celebration in my Facebook world, from my gay friends and all those who believe that all the citizens of our great land deserve the same civil rights under the law.

Meryl and Maks have denied that they are dating, and at least one divorce attorney I know joked that it Tuesday was a great day for his profession as well.

Maybe I’m just a hopeful romantic, but I wish Meryl and Maks would have a great romance off the dance floor – chemistry like theirs doesn’t come along every day.  As for my soon-to-be-married friends (no matter their orientation) I fervently wish that their unions be strong and nurturing and that they never need to call a divorce attorney.

 Because what I really believe in is love.  Finding the right life-partner has been one of the finest, most satisfying experiences of my life and I can’t help but wish happy partnerships for everyone.