When I started this post – What Love is. I planned to write about what love means to me. How special certain people truly are. How it’s not always the outpouring of words, but the small everyday things we take for granted.

When he brings home a box of chocolate. Just because…

And it means there is sweetness beyond any kind you can buy. It represents a gesture of thought. Of being on his mind. Being on his heart. He thinks just to see you smile.

When he programs the new remote with your favorite channels.

I have the hardest time finding channels on our 400+ channel Uverse program. I end up watching the GUIDE for an hour. And for him, to always think of me, to set up my shows in a way I can access quickly. To record my favorite shows (without my asking), and to program in my channels (and knowing what they are). It may not seem like much, but the meaning isn’t lost on me. Little things done in a big way.

When a cute Valentine plant sits on the counter after he takes a trip to the store. For me? Oh that? Yeah. It’s just a little thing.

Just a little thing, but full of beauty. And not the beauty of flowers, but the beauty that love creates. One that will continue to grow.

When a person will help you launch burning lanterns into the sky in the dark of night. All for the love of your photo project when he could be in the recliner watching TV. Well, that is something special indeed. In fact, we almost lit the whole place up with the fiery glow of lanterns. Eek! Click on the gallery to read the story.

Love is simple.

We make it complex. We put conditions on it. We decide when to give it and when to take it away.

But in the end, regardless of gifts, of deeds, of misunderstandings, of the good, and even the bad – love is complete acceptance. Complete and total acceptance of a person no matter what they do or say. No matter when or where. No matter how or why.

And then, I realized. Love is so much more than that. It encompasses family and generations. It is a kaleidoscope of moments so pure and precious they take your breath away.

I saw it so clearly this week as I did my photo shoots, for my projects, and for my family.

These wonderful people in my life that go above and beyond for my joy. How incredible is that?

To go above and beyond even at the risk of embarrassing photos.

And real love? Well, it’s family, fun, and beautiful girls (big and small).

It’s fuzzy mustaches and a heart that says hug me.

It’s very special eight-year old.

And a very mysterious debonair almost eleven-year-old.

And it’s a precious baby that is growing too fast. And a hundred times harder for Grammy to photograph.

And sometimes Grammy has to put her in a windowsill with heart gels to paste and smear on the window. So I can love every fingerprint…every smile…and every second of joy on her face as she discovers this “new” thing.

I know the moment is fleeting. I have watched too many little girls grow up. And I hang on to this with all my heart.

It hurts how much I love them all. This tenderness fills my soul. A tremendous blessing bestowed by having love this sweet and unconditional.

My family.

My life.

My acceptance to be who I am.

And who is that? Well….

Part of this family for sure.

Happy Valentine’s Day!