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The Gift of Love

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

Valentine's Day is a day to show those whom we love just what they mean to us. In past years, I have cooked a special meal for my family, and gone shopping for chocolates, cards and gifts to give to those I love.

Now, my energy and pain levels are stopping me from doing the things which I used to love to do for others. I can push myself to spend a day at the mall buying chocolates and gifts, but isn't it better for me if I just say the words, "I love you," and really mean them rather than wearing myself out trying to find the perfect gift or perfect box of chocolates?

There are also those whom I love who do not live close to me, and finding the energy to not only purchase a gift, a card, or a special box of chocolates, plus wrap and mail the parcel is more than I can do right now. Emailed cards which are available on many online sites are a loving way to give to another without wearing ourselves out, and they are a special way of showing an online friend of our love. But for loved ones who don't have access to the internet, it is more difficult.

Sometimes the best gifts that we can give to those whom we love is our ability to just be there for them and listen to them. Listening without giving advice or telling another how to live their life is more important than all the special gifts that we can buy for another. Sometimes this means having a large phone bill, if those we love live far away, or sometimes it means taking the time to go online into a chat with another and just listening to the words that they type across the screen.

Simple words like, "I understand," and "I know how you feel" can mean more to me than all the expensive gifts or cards which are sent on Valentine's Day. Knowing that I am loved for just being myself is more important to me than any gift that I can receive. Likewise, when I take the time to really listen to another, I know that I am giving the gift of my heart.

Through the ages, men and women have written poems of love, and whether or not they become great works to be published and read by millions doesn't really matter. It is the simple words of love which mean much more to both the giver and the receiver. The same is true of the many romantic songs that have been written and sung by both known and unknown artists.

The copyright of the article The Gift of Love in Fibromyalgia is owned by Cynthia Webber (Jausten). Permission to republish The Gift of Love in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.