Unconditional Love

I've never believed in unconditional love—until today.

I have a daughter, a grandson, a mother, and various sisters and brothers, and I love them all—but I never thought it was an unconditional love. I never once believed that NO MATTER WHAT I would love them—until today.

Today, for the first time in my 45 years of life, I can look upon these people, and a my new-found love, Jerry, and say that I understand unconditional love—because for the first time in my life, I realize that it's been given to me.

My Mama. My Dad. My Daughter. So many people in my life have loved me unconditionally. I have put them through hell, worried them, scared them, and caused them great pain, and not once did they stop loving me. They may not have liked my actions, but they always loved me. And I didn't see it. I didn't see it until today, when Jerry held my face and looked into my eyes and made me believe that it exists.

To accept someone as they are—that is the ultimate gift we can give another person, isn't it? To look at all their faults, and demons, and wounds that have yet to be healed—to look at ones past, their present, and their future and not only say but believe that none of it matters—that is a thing of beauty.

This love—this gift that has been given to me and given from me has given me strength and courage. Suddenly I see the world clearly. My faith in myself has grown exponentially. I believe in myself.

I am not perfect. Hell, some days I'm not even good—but there are people who will love me anyway. And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, will carry me through the greatest storms.

Thank you, Jerry, for making me believe.