Oh My Love is Like a Red, Red, Rose

When Doc was a sophomore in high school, her English teacher, Sister Seraphine, had the class pick a poem of their choice to memorize and then they had to recite it out loud. Doc said she picked a poem by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, called “A Red, Red, Rose”. With Valentines Day being only a few days away, the upcoming holiday must have triggered her memory, because she looked at me and started reciting the poem out loud. I was a bit startled and impressed that she still remembered it. That only goes to show you how how much stuff we store in our brains and it got me to thinking about how each of us has a different experience with love.

Growing up in Doc’s house I have felt safe, accepted, loved and wanted That is the definition of love that I understand, but sadly not every one has experienced that in their life. So let’s take a minute to talk about what love is and isn’t. Someone that loves you shows respect, trust, support, acceptance, cheers for your independence and is open to communicating so you can share your needs and wishes. Love is not abusive, controlling, manipulative or critical. Love should not leave you feeling drained or questioning your self worth.

Sadly, too many people in this world are left feeling unloved and some of those people end up patient’s of Doc and myself. Of course my job is to except everyone unconditionally and that helps, but they also have to learn what is healthy love and what isn’t. Often times, a lot of damage has been done, but as people heal, and begin to see their worth, they start to set boundaries with those that don’t treat them well. As Doc always says “ Don’t let the terrible things that have happened in your life define you”. The more you start loving yourself, the less likely you are to let someone in that doesn’t.

So as Valentine’s Day approaches, reach out to those you love and don’t forget to give yourself the love you deserve either.