Inheriting Love

“We love him, because he first loved us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Still being in the early stage of raising our firstborn, I find myself reflecting a lot on my own upbringing. When I think of the word family, the first images that come to mind are my caregivers, my parents, my paternal grandmother Ruth, and my paternal aunt Carol. Before my parents and I moved to Connecticut when I was 9, we lived within 10 minutes of my dad’s entire family. So I was blessed to not only have a relationship with my immediate relatives, but with my extended family as well.

Namely my grandfather’s three sisters, Aunt Ethel, Aunt Henny, and my girl Aunt Margie. I highlight Aunt Margie because there was a period when she used to pick me up from my bus stop and I’d stay at her house until my parents got off work. My after-school time with her was filled with crochet lessons, solitaire games, and lots of gumdrops. I’m thankful I had the chance to know my great-aunts. They were always so good to me. And as an adult, I appreciate it even more because I never got to know my grandfather—their kid brother—since he passed away when I was 2. But in knowing them, I got to know pieces of him.

I think of who I am today and the caregivers, those safe, trusted adults, who helped shape me. I think of my grandma, who raised me to always do what was right, even when it was difficult, and who made me fall in love with game shows like The Price is Right and Jeopardy! I think of my Auntie Carol, who took me to every zoo, museum, aquarium, concert, and festival she could so I would have some semblance of culture. And I think of my parents, who nurtured and supported me, who let my unique light shine brightly in this world and never tried to dim it.

I am who I am because of their love, because of their guidance, their encouragement, and their presence. And now, as an adult and a new mom, I feel myself overflowing with love to pour into my son. And whenever I think about this love, I think of Christ’s love for us. How we didn’t have to do anything to earn it. And yet He loves us so deeply that we’ll never fully comprehend it.

I am blessed, and I am thankful.