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The Greatest Love of My Life

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and while we don’t need a designated day to express love, the day is a nice reminder to lead with our hearts. The mention of the word, Galentine’ in Rachael Hutching’s post this weekend reminded me that this day is for more than lovers. V-Day can be celebrated with our gal pals, our kids and pretty much anyone we appreciate and of course, love. Today, I’m deep in loving thoughts about my grandmother.

Some people teach us venerable skills, healthy habits, right from wrong and even how-to tie our shoe laces! My grandmother taught me love. Even more so than my amazing parents she taught me I could give and receive love without measure. She looked like the stereotypical grandmother; plump, hair in a bun and the warmest smile on her face. Like most grandparents she would say things to my parents like, “let her be a kid” and that I “wasn’t eating enough for a growing child”, which I’m certain drove my parents mad. She was a typical grandparent in the way she cared for my wellness.

I think I must have fallen in love with her the moment I saw her; some people are just magnetic because I hounded her with questions about her life the way you do with someone you admire. She was brief in her answers with something always on the stove about to burn. Although, she always answered my questions making me feel valued. When I was upset she never gave me those half hugs. She would press me against her warm body until I wanted to break away and not a moment less. I still crave the scent of her rare perfume, a combination of tea rose, food and love. Being a parent myself I often forget that a hug does more for a child than a colorful bandage.

The way she taught me love was not by taking opportunities to teach me life lessons or even tell me stories. She taught me love by giving me her time and comforting me whole heartedly. Once, my grandmother was visiting for the summer and I was now a know-it all teen. While, she had been teaching me about love in her subtle all way along, there was a pivotal moment that summer where my teen carelessness broke her heart. I was immediately consumed by the most intense feeling of guilt I have ever felt. Though my infraction was minor and easily corrected, it felt like my whole world had come to a stop. How could I cause pain to a person that always managed to comfort me in the most exquisite way?

True to form, she saw my remorse and without giving me the opportunity to apologize she pulled my hair neatly away from my face and pulled me closer and closer until, I melted into her embrace once again, for that priceless hug. I didn’t need to tell her I was sorry; she would love me regardless. In that moment she taught me the meaning of unconditional love in the sweetest way.

She traveled back home soon after and it was the very last time I saw her. She stood by the door with her suit case by her side and said something to me that I can’t ever seem to remember. I realize I was fixated on her kind eyes and warm smile as she spoke. They told me without the need for words that I would always be loved.

One of my deepest laments in life is that I never got to tell her how much I loved her and how much she taught me. She passed away the year after our last good bye. The news of her passing almost imploded my heart. I knew my explosive crying could not be soothed by her warm hug anymore. I knew I had lost one of the greatest loves of my life.

We almost always relate love to our significant others but our ability to love is exponential and is not confined to one individual. Ask yourself who taught you to love. Chances are they are the reason you love at all.

3 thoughts on “The Greatest Love of My Life”

  1. This is truly heart touching. Thanks for sharing such a sentimental memory. I wish I could’ve met her.

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DISCLAIMER: This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on voicebowl.com is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition.
COOKIES POLICY: This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse on this website, you accept the use of cookies for the above purposes.