Love Is A Verb

While surfing the web I discovered a website called Love and Forgiveness. It provides rituals for people to start forgiving those who have hurt them. It also deals with forgiving oneself. Much of the information describes small ways we can change the world for the better. One suggestion is to write about a time when someone showed you love in an extraordinary way. This is my intent.

Beth, my daughter, was a teenager when I broke my right elbow. The Doctor put a cast on my good arm and suddenly I was unable to do some of life's basic chores. I needed help to do the most mundane things. I could not brush my teeth or comb my hair. I had to have a spoon taped to my left arm so that I could feed myself. I needed help dressing, taking a bath, and going to the bathroom. I had started my menstural cycle before my injury. I needed help with every intimate detail of my life. Beth stepped in willingly,and with enthusiasm and humor, took care of my needs. She made it seem like it was a pleasure to take care of me. Her kindness made me feel less afraid; less desperate; less ashamed of my weakness. I am grateful to her for all that she did.

My daughter's second great act of graciousness was to allow me to be present when she gave birth to her son. She also allowed her husband's Mom, Mary, and our sister, Carol, in the delivery room. It was a thrill to watch Jacob Leyva enter the world. I was unconscious when I gave birth to Beth. I did not get to hear her first cry, touch her skin, study her face and marvel at how blessed Doug and I were to have her. She was several hours old when I was awake enough to hold her. I felt cheated out of those first moments. But Beth shared her first moments with me. And I am totally blown away by her unselfishness.

I cannot thank Beth enough for her generosity. She has truly enriched my life with her caring. I know every relationship has its bumpy moments, but I hope we will be close forever.