I have wondered many many many times what love is. What is it really? How do you know you love, truly love, someone.

I found the answer in my daughter. You see, I’m very certain, with her more than any other person, that I love her.  I look back and try to see how this love came about.

First, there was the bond or connection. It wasn’t love it was a bond. A child / mother bond. Seeing this little helpless baby, so dependent on you, you start to care. I cared about her needs. I fulfilled her needs. Then she started becoming more dependent. First walking, then running! I had to give her room to explore and discover things for herself. She then developed her own thoughts and her own mind. She started making choices. I guided, but never forced. I explained or let her see the consequences of actions. Be it good actions or bad. I made sure she understood respect from a young age. I built foundations for her. Foundations she can turn to when I’m not around. I taught her about courage when faced with difficult situations. I support her. I don’t know at which point I loved her, but it wasn’t something I had to think about. I just know.

Therefore, love is to me:

A connection

A sense of being needed

A place where there is space for yourself to be yourself

An emotion built on strong foundations of respect & trust

A gift of unconditional support

A feeling that grows over time, without working at it, or trying to create it.

Love happens slowly. Lust happens fast.

Once you truly love someone, it’s almost impossible to stop.