Love is.....

Love... such a powerful word. It can wrap its arms around you and never let go. It can warm you, from the inside out. Love can strangle you. It can build you up, and it can also tear you down. Love.

I've been very fortunate to love a man that loves *me* more than words can say. He has been by my side for almost 17 years. Yes, we have had more than our fair share of troubled times. We've had more than I can measure, of great and wonderful times. We have lived, loved, and learned, together. There are times we are inseparable, spiritually, emotionally, and even intellectually. There are also times that we need our own space. When these times present themselves, we recognize them and embrace them. We let one another know, that even tho we need our space, we will offer that helping hand, when it is needed.  We are a team. We belong. We will endure. Together. No matter what.

I have been blessed with the love of two very precious boys. My own children. I knew I loved them both, before I even met them. From the moment that *I* knew I was pregnant, I was in love. To know the love of a child is immeasurable. A child, in all his innocence, loves totally, completely, unconditionally. In my sons' eyes, I am the greatest Mommie that ever lived. There is nothing I can not do. There is no question that I do not know the answer. There is nothing too complicated, too involved, too puzzling, there simply is nothing, that I can not do. In their eyes.  That's an amazing love, amazing indeed.

I am also very lucky to know the love of a very kind and caring mother. I do not ever remember a time that my mother was not there, as an adult. I can call my Mom at almost any hour of the day, and she will answer. She will listen to me when I need to vent about my day. She will do her best, to calm me, when the stresses of everyday life seem to be more than I can bare. She laughs with me and cries with me. We celebrate birthdays together, and the latest harvest from our home grown gardens. On days when I feel that I am a complete and total failure, she offers me the most encouraging words, that reassure me she is on my side. She is my Mom, and what's more important than that, she is my friend.

So, love... as complex as it can be, it is all encompassing. Love is magical, when it is brand new. Love is necessary. Love is knowing. Love is needing. Love is not to be taken for granted.

Love is....... (you fill in the blank)

**the above photo taken by me, please do not use with out my consent**