Happy Valentine's Day! YAY! LOVE! by Carl

YAY! LOVE!

 "I love LOVE" she said.  In response I give her a sidelong, confused, W.T.F? expression.  I do this to negate the fact that I love LOVE too.

I get so many visuals of my experience of love.......

Seeing two elders, sitting close, one in a wheelchair and the other leaning in close whispering and smiling, stroking her silvered head. 

As a new father, watching the peaceful face of my bundle of a daughter gently nod off. 

At the airport seeing a father and son reunited, laughing and hugging after too much time away......both donning Stetson's and boots.

Our yellow Lab Belle,  peaking over the edge of the bed each morning wagging her entire body, licking our elbows and excited for a brand new day with her people.  

As a seasoned father, skipping and laughing hand in hand with my daughter in plain sight of total strangers.

Long talks on the phone with my mom or sisters after years of silence usually interupted by long verklempt pauses of happiness. 

And as a new husband, watching my wife, especially when she doesn't realize I'm watching her, and I wonder what the hell I did to deserve this much beauty and love in my life.