What is Love?

Dearest daughter,

On September 6, 1999, my life changed dramatically.  That was the day that I met you for the very first time.  My heart would never feel the same again.  I held you in my arms morning and night.  The nurses begged me to put you in the hospital bassinet and get some rest but I refused.  I wanted to sleep with my baby in my arms.

Remember how we used to make those hearts with our hands when I couldn’t be with you and you couldn’t be with me?  We would do that to remind ourselves that we would always be connected at the heart. Don’t ever lose sight of that.  We are so alike and woven from the same passions and loves in life:  dancing, singing, acting and riding horses.  We never know how long we have on this earth, but I want you to know now that we will always be connected in our hearts.

I want to share about love but I really don’t know where to start.  I guess I could start with words that my Mom (“Mama”) used to share about love which is based on biblical truths:

Love is beautiful

Love is kind

Love is not envious

Love is not prideful

Love is not jealous or rude

Love rejoices in our success and not our defeat

Love is NOT A DUTY

Love is the most pure, precious gift that God has given us on this earth

Love is important

Love is worth fighting for

Love is worth sacrificing for

Love is not vengeful

Love is not a chore

To be loved, and I mean true love, is to experience one of the most precious gifts we will ever experience in life.  Being loved by someone can give you the strength to endure the most amazing hardships.  Being loved by someone can give you the wings to reach the highest heights.  It is liberating to feel the strength of someone behind you who believes in you, who you can be raw with, who you can laugh with, who you can cry with and who you can enjoy simple everyday moments with.  Try hard to never give up on love.  Fight for the pure, beautiful love and when you find love, don’t take it for granted.  Treasure it.  Protect it.  Guard it.

There are many types of love.  The most precious type is when you feel completed by someone.  It is my prayer that one day you will experience this with someone.  I pray that a man will love you with all of his heart and sacrifice for you.  I want you to know the feeling of being cherished.  It is an incredibly feeling.  There is no way to explain it.  One must live it.  As you grow older, I hope you will recognize that love played out in Mommy’s life.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones.  I have someone who loves me dearly and cherishes and protects me.  I pray that God will prepare that special man for you one day.

Most importantly is a love that will never leave you and that you can count on 24/7.  God’s love. God loves you so much.  When people fail you (and they will…we are only human and make mistakes), you will feel disappointed and frustrated.  You may even feel alone.  But remember that God will never leave you.  He will never fail you.  When you feel alone or you need that love that only He can give, get down on your knees and pray.  He will restore your heart and make you whole again.  Trust me.  I am living proof of this.   I was once broken but now I am whole again.  It was God’s love and the love of those He put around me that brought me through to the other side.  He loved me when I was all alone and needed a hug.  He loved me when I needed a friend.  He loved me when I did things to disappoint others.  He loved me when I made mistakes and  hurt others.  He never left my side.  He will never leave yours.  Ever…

I love you my sweet child.  I always will.

Mommy