Love, Before it’s Too Late by Mitch Teemley at The Power of Story inspired me yet again today. Getting to know Mitch and his family through his blog, his stories makes today’s crazy world more beautiful and far more fun. If you haven’t met him yet, do yourself a solid and catch up.
About Loving
Love is not always something we do or feel. It’s not merely something we respond to and it is definitely not something we acquire. I know this because of the love I’ve missed in my lifetime.
I learned early in life to never take the people I love for granted. The details of my family history, some of the losses are public record. Aside from our numbers the love is not recorded. The ties that bind my surviving siblings and I are solid, indelible but they are mostly invisible.
Emotions are part of the equation and work closely with love, but emotions are not love. I believe that like matter, love is neither created nor destroyed. And yet, it can be misplaced, as anyone that’s lost someone precious to them experiences. Death can create a gaping void, a hole in life that God alone can fill. But love goes on.
Not my first loss, my dad died suddenly, unexpectedly when I was nineteen. With our dysfunctional family dynamics I also lost my closest friend at the time. The ramifications of that event separated my siblings and me during our developmental years. And yet love kept us closely bound together. I can see Daddy occasionally; in my siblings, my sons and my grandchildren. Each time I again feel the love.
My husband came into my life. Love thrived – and then he left. I have not seen him since 2010. Though I was open to repairing our connection we failed. Yet the love lives.
Loving my family with all that I am made me appreciate love, relationships, free will and to never allow time to ravage the bond.
I mentioned in an earlier post, some friends slipped into my past and will remain there. Others remain close regardless of where on earth I pause. They choose to stay close and they act upon the choices. A visit, a phone call, email or text keeps the love we share vital. Whether we share the same genetic structure or are bound by our histories, I value love above all.
I’ve missed my parents for a lifetime. Mother left Dad, my siblings and me in 1966. She tried to reconnect until death took her in 2004. Through constant forgiving, commitment and dedication, we loved. My foster parents (pictures not available) passed months apart in 2005. They all continue to be a big part of me.
My darling brother Seagh left us in 2014. I still feel his presence more often than I don’t. I miss hearing his voice, seeing his face and towering physique. Sometimes knowing I shall not see him again in this world feels crushing. But he frequently reminds me death is not the end.
We love.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
Hearts Images courtesy Unsplash
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Lovely, tender post. How much you love life and the people in your life. I am proud to be reading your blog.
Susie
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Thank you, Susie. I am glad to share the blessings and the boredom. ❤
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Are you bored, then ? It seems from your posts, you have too much to do and see- that 24 hours is not sufficient.
Susie
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LOL! You are right Susie. I don’t have time to be bored, but my diatribes might sometimes be snoozers. ❤
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Oh no ! I sat and read about 6 of your posts at one sitting. I kept on reading, one after the other. I would have read the others too had I had time – I had to do my daughter’s maths homework :).
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I’d apologize, but I thrive on the feedback. Rock that homework ❤
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The greatest of these is love. Your theme rings true.
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Amen. And thank you.
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Honored to have inspired, Roo. You’ve done a lot of overcoming, dear girl. Praying for all the joy you can handle!
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Thanks to God and you, Mitch. I appreciate all the prayers & joy I can get. ❤
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Nicely said. I love seeing intriguing pictures and figuring out how to do it. This one is clever.
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I suspect like so many other facets of life, the right Light can change how things appear. Thanks Jacqui! ❤
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Beautiful post Roo xx
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God is good that way. Thank you, Lisa ❤
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