Some thoughts on love…….

Love, everyone wants it, needs it, craves it, thinks of it.  It is the center of my business, the reason people decide to walk down the aisle, look at each other and say I do. The day I married Bob, I was so nervous when I walked down the aisle, but when I saw his face, it all fell away. I knew it was the right choice. Now nine years later, I still do. Marriage is quite a ride. We are a long way from those butterfly stomachs of our first dates and first kisses, but my excitement builds when I pull into the driveway every night, knowing that my husband and son are waiting inside. What a comfort that is. I love walking in, hugging my son, kissing my husband, and existing with them in that moment.

We were invited to a formal dinner last weekend. I had three possible gowns to wear, one deemed too wintery, one purchased before childbirth and a little too tight, so I settled on the third. I donned my Spanxs and slipped in feeling a bit frumpy. My husband’s face lit up. He came over and put his arm around me and told me I was beautiful. No matter how I felt before, I felt so very loved. While those butterfly stomachs are fun, I find the comfort of my 10 year love amazing.  Loving a person for everything that they are in each moment of the walk.  Willing to stay together through thick and thin. Loving at our best and worst.

When I gave birth to Kyle, I couldn’t believe it. He was ours? What an incredible gift. I didn’t sleep that first night. I held him all night and couldn’t stop looking at him. This was a new love, so different in its form.  Now, seven years later, the love has only grown. I will never take for granted the gift that he is, and the unconditional love he offers. I marvel at it daily.

My dog passed away a month ago, a beautiful rescue from MacArthur Boulevard nine years ago, he had a tumor burst that was hidden in his stomach. He ran to my feet in his distress— true pure love. My heart aches in his absence. I miss his furry face, his sneezing, walking with him. Now a new puppy-Colby-a new love-willing my heart to let go and dive in to it again.

My friend Angela got married in Italy last Sunday. How I longed to be there and celebrate her marriage to Livio. I met Angela when I lived in Rome.  We forged a lasting friendship that will never cease. When she called to tell me that she and Livio were engaged, I was so happy for them. We talked for a long while about the wedding and life’s happenings. When I hung up, I felt so thankful for my friend and the way we loved each other.  I am a blessed girl. I have so many deep wonderful friendships. I love each friend fiercely. I love that we can share and talk. That no matter how much time passes that we can pick up where we left off. That we cheer each other on, that we comfort in the difficult times, that we are truly friends.

Celebrate all the types of love in your life. It makes us rich in the most important currency.

Sally