Love is not only my last name, but it’s a word that is universal to all 8 billion and counting people on this earth. We all want and need it in our lives. It took damn near 30 years of my life for me to really understand the true meaning of love. Going through ups and downs and not being mature enough to really give what is required when you say you love someone, are the main reasons many relationships fail. What bothers me the most is that a lot of people wait until one day out of the year to show someone that they love them – on Valentine’s Day. Why wait for one day to show your love and appreciation for someone, when life isn’t guaranteed?
The following is what I shared with the incarcerated men in my prison mentorship:
Love is attentive, caring, non-judgmental, and open to what others can’t say. Love takes its time. Love is giving and receiving, laughter and crying. Love is doing everything you can to help build whatever dreams and goals your mate has. Life never promises instant gratification, only ultimate fulfillment. Love means to believe in someone, to work hard, struggle, suffer, and rejoice. Love involves much careful and active listening. Love is doing whatever needs to be done to keep it and make it last. Love hurts sometimes. Love is firm when needed, but it can be tender. Love is reliable and is a commitment to others’ true and lasting happiness. Love, ultimate love, will never reject its better half. It is the first to encourage and last to condemn. Love simple endures all things.
So, if you’re blessed to have real and true love in your life, be happy and “Amen” to you!
Advocate / Mentor
Leonard E. Love