AnneOnParenting

Three little words, just three little syllables, and they can have the most profound impact on a person. We say I love you to our lovers (be it boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife) to convey a connection that at one time, and maybe still, meant butterflies and goosebumps.  Please do not read into the word lovers.  It is meant to convey those with whom we have relationships, but are not blood related.  The first I love you is tangled with uncertainties.  The feelings are real but are you the only one.  Then it can turn into a constant mantra of who loves who more.  Ah, new love.  Then it becomes a more comfortable I love you.  It may be said in words upon leaving or ending a phone conversation.  It may be said with a kiss, hug, or even food.  Yes, food can say I love you.  Have you ever made your honey their favorite dish or dessert?  It is true what they say about the way to one’s heart is through the stomach.

Then there is the love of siblings.  How many of you have brothers and sisters?  I have two brothers.  One is my brother and the other a step-brother.  My step-brother and I are the same age.  Our parents met when we were seniors in high school, so we do not have childhood memories, but he is my brother none-the-less.  My older brother, technically they are both older, is four years older than me.  I would consider us close in childhood and young adulthood.  Today we live states apart and rarely speak.  I would do anything for him even if we are no longer close.  The love of siblings goes on forever.

Let us not forget the love of friends.  Friends are our chosen family.  They are not blood-related and are in our lives by choice.  True friends are hard to find but will always be there when you need them.  I have one.  Interestingly she is my former sister-in-law.  I was married to her brother.  We were not always close and we are not real close now.  We live states apart but when we really need one another we are there.  I consider her my sister, but knowing she is in my life by choice is important.  I also consider her my friend.

And the whole point of this post, the love of a parent and child.  The moment one knows she is going to be a mom is the first moment the love for a child is felt.  But the first time your child says I love you in return, that is truly priceless.  And the innocence of it all is endearing to be sure.  Then your child grows up and saying I love you is not all that cool.  I have one of these.  Lulu will not tell me she loves me.  But she sits on my lap at night.  She wants to spend time with me.  She is 15 years old and wanted to hang out with me while ice skating.  We are going on a school field trip in April to D.C. and she wants me there.  She may not say it, but she shows me all of the time.  Benny stopped for awhile, but he is too loving to stop for long.  He is just at an awkward stage.  And Frankie, well she will tell me she loves me when she needs a hug or I need one.  And I get the I love you, mommy from this wonderful 17 year old when she wants something.  Nothing fancy, but still a given kiss up.

And there you have it.  I love you.  Three little words.  I love you.  It means something different for everyone in your life yet it means the same thing: I am thankful you are in my life.  And I am, thankful for everyone in my life: yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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