I have seen in the movies and read in books that true love
is about finding joy in each other, about holding hands and giving roses and
writing love letters. I have heard in
wedding speeches and sermons that true love is about staying faithful even when
it isn’t fun.
I believe that both of these are true.
And I have seen second-hand that true love is often about
wiping dirty bottoms, and spoon-feeding, and encouragement to try one more
time, to get up for another day. True
love is about staying faithful even when someone’s personality changes after a
brain injury or during the onset of dementia.
This Valentine’s Day, I am reflecting about what I have
learned about true love from spouses who take on the role of caregivers—and
spouses who take on the role of patient.
Neither role is chosen, but when embraced, both teach us about true
love.
