Love defined

From Memory

Mama knew how to show her love in the most special way. It showed every time she would smile her genuine and huge smile, her face would light up and almost glow with joy. Her voice was both tender and bubbling with happiness. And when it came to goodbyes, she would watch watch until you were gone, smiling and waving until the last moment.

How many times (every time), as the plane pulled away and I peered out the small window, did I see her stand there waving and smiling at me -- even when she could no longer see me, only the plane? I would watch until I could not see her anymore, the plane rising in the sky, and I knew she was still standing there, sending me her love and hope.

How many times, as I pulled the car out of the driveway (every time) did I see her standing at the doorway, waving and smiling just for me? On the phone, even her voice would light up when she heard my voice. How did she do that?

In every way she defined love. She was the heart of our family. And sometimes, I am lucky enough to get a glimpse of how she might have felt. There are times when I see a loved one and I smile spontaneously, when I feel like a lantern was lit inside of me, the joyful light spilling out in my smile, my voice and my eyes.