People often ask, “Were you raised in a home where your parents said I love you?”.

And, I have to say it depends on how you look at it. My mother loved me unconditionally.

She was honest with me at all times. She washed my clothes, cooked meals, and said

I love you with both. She wiped the table clean after each meal, and said I love you

with each swipe of the cloth. She kept our house clean, and she helped me become

a person who accepts everyone, and instilled in me a need to be honest with myself

and others. She shared with me her love of words and a wicked sense of humor. My father always

provided a place to live, and money for our needs. He helped me develop a love of outdoors and

gardening. He too, had a wicked sense of humor. Did my parents speak the words I love you often?

No, but they showed me in all the important ways just how much they did love me. And, that’s

more important. Love in action.