As life would have it those of us that know the meaning of love are often and in most cases those that have experienced that once in a life time unconditional love. This may include a spouse or significant other at first thought, but I want to focus on a perspective that can often be overlooked. The view of a parent to a child. As children we have unconditional love for our parents until that one moment when we get upset, lose our temper, or simply judge our parents’ intentions incorrectly. This often occurs in the teenage years and can cause irrevocable damage in the relationship if allowed to.

My love for my parents has had its own challenges, but the one thing I find amazing is that I still love them with all my being. Despite my poor behaviors as a child they still did everything in their power to provide all aspects of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing for me and my siblings. They did not complain when extra work was required to afford our household needs. They did not love us any less when we brought home a low grade from school. They even still love me when I was not so nice to my brother. (He was making fun of me, so I punched him. We were very young, and it wasn’t such a big deal then.)

Tis’ better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.    

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

So, now that I have made this a little clearer on the things I think count as love. Let me ask you what as the child can you do to show your love and appreciation for your parents? If they are no longer living extend your view and include aunts, uncles and other family members.

This is the most important, most vital life-giving attribute you can share. To give your love to those you love encourages them to flourish even when facing debilitating disease. A smile, a hug, your time in the middle of a busy day, a note left to find and so much more. These do not have to be acts of heroics, they are simple expressions of love and should never be overlooked as unnecessary or unwanted.

Dedicated to Elizabeth Cushman age 17