Shades of Love

Shades of Love

Melissa Dallago

            Love is the greatest, most wonderful emotion that mankind has; it motivates us, it consumes us, it drives us to distraction, it is both a sickness and a cure, it is unconditional, it is nurturing, it is everything and all that truly matters. 

            Love comes in many shades, kinds and variations; it is a universal emotion that each and every one of us understands.  It brings us together, drives us apart, conquers vast divides, and empowers us to perform unimaginable feats. 

            Love of family is the strongest and most enduring kind.  The love of a parent for a child is intense, protective, grand, and perhaps the most powerful force on earth.  It has been said that loving a child is like having a piece of your heart existing outside of you.  The love between a parent and a child is intense, everlasting and above all unconditional.

            Love between siblings is equally as powerful and binding.  There will always be someone who understands you, loves you, accepts you, and has been with you through all of your highs and lows.  The love between siblings is also unconditional, because even if you don’t see eye to eye, you still love them because they are family after all.

            Love between friends is supportive, understanding, and compassionate.  It endures no matter the distance or time that passes.  Friends bonded together are true to each other in good times and bad.  They offer a shoulder to lean on, a person to laugh will, or just a quiet presence of someone who cares.

            Love between humans and animals are another special pairing.  Our pets are our friends through thick and thin.  Their love is unconditional and a strong bond of mutual affection, soft fur and times of play and laughter abound.  It is truly the love of an animal that can teach the meaning of unconditional love and acceptance.

            The love between two people who find their way to each other on their journey through life is one of partnership, mutual respect, endearment and a deep passion for one another.  To share a true love with another is to achieve a wonderful bond, one that hopefully is unbreakable and forever. 

            These are the different shades of love that we experience as we travel through life, but one shade of love that defines them all is “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”  It is love in all of its forms that bind us together.