I have been in Tennessee since February 12th for the birth of our 5th grandchild and will be here for a while longer. I'd be lying if I said it has not been an emotional roller coaster in so many ways. But I've found myself thinking so much lately about the different kinds of love you can encounter in your life if you are as lucky as I have been.

Love for my husband. We have been married for over 40 years and I have had a terrible time missing him. Of course I talk with him everyday on the phone but it's not the same as having him in the same house, even if it's in a different room. Just knowing that he's there makes me feel loved, protected and well.....not lonely. He is my rock and my partner in life! He keeps me grounded when I need it, advises me, and most important, makes me laugh. Heaven knows what kind of an emotional wreck I would be without him. I don't even want to think about it........

Love for my daughters. For the one daughter (Michele) who just gave birth; I could not believe the love I felt as I sat with her during her labor. She's a strong woman and even though little Lexi took her pleasant time coming into this world, Michele toughed it out. It was a very long night, but as I sat watching her, I could see on her face what I felt in my heart....a mother's love. For the other daughter (Rebecca), the love between these two sisters is very strong. Michele wanted her here for the birth and Rebecca planned on being here (she was to be Michele's labor coach) but because of weather problems, she could not get out of Madison in time and missed the birth. My heart and sadness went out to both of them when it was not to be. Being here with Michele and talking with Rebecca on the phone trying everything she could to get here reminded me of the love these two share; a love that cannot be broken.
I may have stepped in for Rebecca during the labor but for the birth, but I stepped out of the delivery room when the time came (Michele had a very good friend there too). After a long night of watching her labor and even though giving birth is a marvelous thing, I could not watch her in any more pain....darn, that love for a daughter thing again! But, it was ok....Michele understood and I truly believe it's the way she wanted it.

Love for our grandchildren. It's 3:00 a.m. and Lexi just woke up for a feeding. I get the pleasure of feeding her and letting mommy go back to bed to catch a little more sleep. This reminded me that when our daughters were newborns, my favorite time with them was in the middle of the night when the house was quiet and we could spend our "special time" together. And now I get to enjoy it once more...with a grandchild. I think it might be even more special. My body may not be as young and agile as it once was or my mind as sharp as it was back then but to my grandchildren, I'm "Grandma".....they think I'm the best thing next to Miley Cyrus, Justin Beiber or Spongebob! Which brings me to another love I feel...the love I feel FROM my grandchildren; a love so special that I really cannot put it into words. You have to feel it yourself to enjoy it and I have been so very lucky to have had that pleasure.

Love.....it's just four letters but it is the greatest feeling I have encountered in my life....on so many different levels.