Between a suspension and a solution is a colloid, a type of suspension that forms from intimate mixing of two immiscible materials, elements that would otherwise remain separate, but are combined into a new stable substance. One acts as a substrate – a medium – holding the other in a place it is not usually accustomed, and maybe not comfortable. It is two distinct components, blended and stable, to create a new material, better than either of the two combined.

Solid dispersed in a Solid – a Sol – Goldstone, we chose that stone for the knobs for our kitchen cabinets to match the countertops, as we did all the design of our new home: together. A solid partnership supporting a solid home together.

Liquid dispersed in a Solid – a Gel – Jello. I was so sick, that week, and you made me three different flavors, all of them my favorites. We smiled at the bright colors, left on my tongue.  You supporting me when I wanted to melt.

Gas dispersed in a Solid – a Foam – Lava. We were at craters of the moon in idaho, talking geophysics and discussing that this volcano erupted close in time to the life of Jesus. Our joyous spirits supported by the structure of our shared scientific and religious experience, and a world that we crave to understand.

A Solid dispersed in a Liquid – a Sol – Mud.  every fall, the pond gets dark and silty, and we have to drain it over the stone wall.  The flow of our lives picks up bits of dirt and dust, and sometimes we have to clear it out, together.

Liquid dispersed in a Liquid – an Emulsion – We sat in the sun with sandwiches at picnic rock several summers. The mayo slicked our lips with sunshine, and the sweet lemony taste. Though we are both fluid, we are able to support each other to make life taste a little fresher.

Gas dispersed in a Liquid – a Foam – Whipped cream. Your nephew only likes whipped  cream when it is fresh and home made, someone always licks the spatula.  Your family, that is, we, would giggle and tell stories of raisin pie, and zombies.  The ebb and flow of our family life helps support my exuberant lightness.

Solid dispersed in a Gas – Aerosol – Smoke from the woodstove drifts out to garden where I am harvesting the last of the season’s beets, for us to roast. Through my own unclarity, I find the path back to the warmth of our together.

Liquid dispersed in a Gas – a Fog – The evening mist in the summer meadow is lit by the moon’s silver dust. Magic suspended in lightness, lightness suspended in magic. the beauty of dreaming our lives into one.

Gas dispersed in a Gas – Oh, my Beloved.  These, like our spirits, are always mixed thorougly and completely. There is no separation between them, they become indistinguishable, like air, essential and necessary, mixed correctly and perfectly to nourish the life God has given us, to live together.