Blog 169 – 11.24.15

I have heard all my life that the highest form of love is “unconditional love.” It has been called by the Greek word Agape, divine or selfless love. Look for it in the best expressions of human love and you will find most all of them selfish and demanding loves. Romantic love, familial love, brotherly love are all to some degree conditional, “I will love you if you love me first and best.” ” I will love you if you obey me.” “I will love you if you put family first.” “I will love you only if you treat me right.” None of the previous quotes speaks to “unconditional love.” Even the highly praised “mother’s love” is most often a selfish and demanding love. When we think we know what is best for someone else our interference can come across as anything but love. Mamas have to let those babies grow up and “letting go” is often the most loving and difficult act a mother can do, fathers too.

Often the clearest representation of “unconditional love” is to be found in animals. Dogs are great examples of unconditional love. They are devoted and will stick with you through thick or thin. When my boy was about ten his mother and I decided to get him a dog. We named her Samantha and for twelve years she was a part of my son’s life and losing her was like losing a close family member for she was.
She was a pretty Beagle with eyes that could melt your heart. She was not the brightest bulb on the tree but she sure was pretty and she was so devoted. Beagles are pack dogs and we were her pack and like an angel from God she kept a close watch on us for all of her life.

The last months of her life she was quite sick and it was hard for my son to agree to allow her to pass easily. But finally he agreed and held her all the way to the Vet and as she breathed her last breath. We have many fond memories of Samantha. As much as I look forward to seeing my parents and my daughter again after this life is over I tell you truly I long to pet that little girl in the beautiful fur coat again.

Samantha taught us a lot about loving and letting go. I honor her memory and can still see her racing around the room showing off how glad she was to see you.

Your friend and fellow traveler, animal lover,
David White