On the Brighter Side: Love is…

On the Brighter Side: Love is…

When our grandson was 5-years old he asked me if I would play football with him. Without any thought I told him sure, let me put your sister down for a nap.

It was a beautiful October afternoon. I laid the little one down, took her monitor out on the porch. Jase got the football and we were ready to play.

He asked me if we could play tackle football not touch. Hahaha, I thought to myself, no problem. How hard can it be with a 5-year old right?

He told me where to stand, the route to run and when I catch the ball go for the trees that were standing by each other for the goal line. He very thoroughly informed me, “When I tackle you Mimi, that is a down, and you have only three more tries.”

I wondered, how does he know this stuff!? But I reassured him, “Don’t worry, big guy, I know how to play football, I’ve got it!”

He threw the ball, I thought to myself, oh little one, I better not go too fast, I want him to think he can keep up with his dear ol’ grandma.

That thought barely got out of my brain, when I saw out of the corner of my eye he was flying directly for my feet.

Before I knew what was happening, I was soaring through the air in the other direction. I closed my eyes tight. The free falling was not half as bad as I knew the direct hit on the cold, hard October ground was going to be!

The thoughts that go through your mind when you know you’re doomed. My dear husband and my beautiful children and grandchildren. Yes, I have had a good life. I have been blessed.

Klup! I hit hard with all my unmitigated might! Were those stars and bright lights that just passed before my eyes? Was this heaven? Then I realized no, I’m still on Earth. I was beginning to feel a splitting headache coming on.

Then I heard a soft voice and trying to focus I saw two blurry sweet faces coming near to mine. “Mimi, you didn’t run very hard! You want another try?”

Love. It certainly comes in different packages. Forgiveness, remember the old movie, Love Story? “Love is . . . never having to say you’re sorry.”

In my cynical mind, I never bought that one.

Jim Gaffigan defines love is . . . without Valentine’s Day February would be . . . well, January. This one made more sense to me.

I love Winnie the Pooh, but his thoughts are too mushy. Love is . . . if there ever comes a day we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.

Really?

The one I relate to well is by Charles M. Schulz, love is . . . all you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then wouldn’t hurt.

But I have to tell you my favorite is from Paul when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, he defined it the best.

Love is . . . patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Yes, this is the greatest definition of love. Not about me, but how can I make others feel more special. Mmmm, for the most part of my day, I do “try” to live these words. Some days are harder than others.

So the rest of the story? When Jase asked me to get up and let’s give this football game another try. My first thoughts? I wanted to get up and step on his foot, or pull him to the ground, to let him know how strong I was . . . or something.

But I looked at him sure and straight in the eye with a feeble voice. “Sure Jase, let’s try this again.”

I am happy to report I played a “little” smarter and played his game. Love is . . . “take no prisoner” and run for your life!

Susan Baker is a columnist for The Maryville Forum.