Love

Love. What a loaded word, huh? Love is a single 4 letter word that carries with it such an abstract, complex and diverse set of definitions and emotions. However, Webster Dictionary seems to think that he has come up with the all defining true definition of love by pinning it down in 3 simple definitions: "love: (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests." It seems to me that Mr. Webster believes love to be mere affection. Why else would he mention the word affection in all 3 definitions of the word love? Did he go out and ask people what love meant, or did he simply come up with the definition by what he, himself understands love to be? Yes, I do believe that love tends to be associated with affection, but that is only the very surface of it, and perhaps may not even be true to some people. Someone may love another, but may not understand or know how to give affection. So, according to Mr. Webster, does that mean that, that Someone isn't using the word love correctly because they don't know how to give affection?

My point is not to bash on Mr. Webster and his definition of love, my point is that love is very individual based and there is no right or wrong answer in the definition of love. Love may mean sacrifice. Love may mean betrayal. Love may mean forgiveness. Love may be an action. Love may be an emotion or feeling. Love me be a hurtful topic. Love may be a frivolous fancy. Love may be an emotional high. To someone, love might be frightening. To another, love might be wonderful. And the list goes on. Also, I believe that the definition of love can constantly change within an individual. Maybe through a life event that occurs, or by meeting someone new that has a strong influence on the individual, etc. I think it is up to the individual to define what love means, what they want love to be and to change their definition of love however they please.

To me, Love is Travis.

I don't mean to come across as cliche or cheesy. I am completely sincere and genuine in every word I express.

If every detail of my life were written in a book, the pages that would be highlighted most would be the pages about Travis. Why? Because while reading a book, I tend to highlight the things that teach me something new, that teach me something about myself, that teach me a valuable lesson, that teaches me with examples of goodness and what I would like to become, etc. Travis teaches me all of that. Before knowing Travis I was simply comfortable and content in my life. Comfortable and content. Not bad, right? But, since knowing Travis I have become loved in a way I never knew of. I have had my eyes open up to so many things through Travis' example. I have been challenged to be the best that I can be. Through Travis I have learned to love more thoroughly, to be more kind, to be quick to say sorry and to forgive easily. Travis' sister, Amy, once told Travis that one thing she admires most about Travis is that when Travis sees something in himself that he doesn't like or wants to change he has the ability to change it in an instant. I have to agree with Amy 100%. Travis has an incredible ability to look within himself and change things that he wants to be better about himself. Like I said before, I was comfortable and content before knowing Travis. But, after knowing Travis, I have learned through his example to look within and change things about myself to become a better person. I am still constantly learning from the goodness and love of Travis. Travis are all the things I believe to be what love means. Travis is Love.

This is one of my most favorite pictures of me and Trav. We laugh, we play, we are silly, we are weird, we have lots of fun, we are the best of friends (cheesy but true), like my mom says we are 'two peas in a pod' and most importantly we are in love and will be forever.

One more thing about love, that ever so loaded word. Please express your love to those you love. Don't let a day go by without expressing your love. Love is meant to be shared with others (or so I think).