Love – “A Word”

Recently, I was given a “homework” assignment for a dear friend’s birthday.  On his special day, he asked for … A WORD! That’s all he said. A WORD.

This was challenging for me. I struggled with it to be honest.  Searching for words in the dictionary, checking websites, crossword puzzles and even talking to some of my big-brained friends and family. Although words are plentiful, nothing seemed to fit. 

Finally, I decided to release the formal process and just think about it. What is the most intriguing word for me? Surprisingly, I actually came up with it! 

It’s the one word that has the power to heal, to bring the deepest of joy and to literally change the world. It’s so powerful, it has blinded the smartest of men and women throughout time. And it’s one of the few, if not the only words, that crosses generations, species, languages and countries. Yet, it cannot be easily defined - because it’s really something we feel. 

The word is, of course, LOVE. 

The New Oxford American Dictionary definition is: Deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, attachment, endearment; devotion, adoration, doting, idolization, worship; passion, ardor, desire, lust, yearning, infatuation, adulation, and besottedness.

But to me, this definition doesn’t do it justice at all. Yet, I don’t know how to define it any better. But I guarantee, we all know it when we’re in it. We can feel it when it happens and we can even feel it when it happens to others: a mom looking in her baby’s eyes … no words needed. The dedication of a dog to its owner is easy to spot. Or two star-crossed lovers walking hand in hand - the feeling emanates outward and is unmistakable. 

So today, I give you my word … Love. 

May it spread to all!