Talesin- My mother is dying. I choose to show her love (or is it pity?) for an old, suffering woman, who NOW realizes she never gave her daughter unconditional love. It's too late for me to love her the way she wants .... after 50+ years of neglect and abuse. It was a difficult choice to make, but I could only begin to 'go there' after I learned, as you say, to love myself. Recently. :) Thanks Tal! You are living what it is to love unconditionally. It doesn't matter if you need to replace the word "love" to "pity". Pity is an action that applies also to forgiveness and mercy. Tal, you are caring for the mother who failed to love, nurture and protect you. By your actions, by your choice, you are defining unconditional love.
Ziddinia- you're killing me! " Rip, in all seriousness, I know myself well enough to state that I would turn in my own flesh-and-blood if they turned out to be vicious killers - or even embezzlers..." Z- I said I believe you!!! I do! But Z, I really think it has to do with choice. I think years ago had I been asked for my description of unconditional love my answer would be different. I may have even claimed, as you have, that it doesn't exist. From my own experiences in life I've learned that it does exist. And I have also learned how to give it. I think it is a behaviour by choice, by experience, by forgiveness and by accepting that everyone makes mistakes in life. None of us are perfect. And if we ever are lucky enough to have been given unconditional love we want to be able to pass that gift to others.
ShirleyW- So true!!!
