The Power of Love

I doubt anyone escapes falling in love. At some point, each of us sees another being who evokes passion, generates excitement, encourages a dream of what the pair might become that the individual could not. I'm willing to bet every person experiences a racing heart, weak-kneed, light-headed, sweaty-palmed, stop-the-world, what if, hour of love at least once.

So, what if it's the twelve-year-old fantasizing a dream date with the paperboy? Or, Marcelle Zweicker dreaming Michael Landon came back for that one night she always wanted? Maybe it's an unrequited, fatal attraction for a neighbor's wife, or a too late realization about that boring date someone else snatched up as soon as you rejected him. It might be an undying love for a pet or an ideal.

Do any of these situations make love any less real? Is there a time or age requirement? Must love be healthy or honest to exist?

More than once, I've loved someone with all I am, and known the world was a better place with our combined energy. I can't imagine how it would have felt not to be able to express that love. How sad it would be to see him accomplish a major goal or suffer a great disappointment without being able to offer an excited hug, share a tearful embrace, or extend a hand to hold. I should hope everyone would understand this need in others.

Yet, I often hear criticism and mockery of love that one person thinks inappropriate for another. She's too young to know what love is. He doesn't really love her, or she doesn't even know he's alive. I see people who are afraid to love, or afraid to admit or show their love. A lesbian friend's mother tells her she is too pretty to date girls, and a gay friend's family breaks into prayer if he brings his partner around.

The power of love is in giving it away. If we forbid some people to express love, we usurp this power and deprive the world of what the couple might have to offer.

There's little as energizing as the atmosphere surrounding someone newly in love. If we put aside fear, prejudice, jealousy, and resentment, if we stop monitoring relationships because they aren't like our own, and instead encourage love, that energy will spread and we all benefit.

Disclaimer: Does not apply to former residents of my body. You cannot fall in love with murderers, Republicans, NASCAR drivers or fans, professional wrestlers, or rappers.