Since February is national children's month, I thought about writing an essay on what my grandchildren have taught me. They are now in school with children of other cultures. And although they may have graduated from Crayola college, they are colorblind and love their friends from other cultures. Recently, my grandson Trevor was teaching me to count to five in the Japanese language and even write the numbers. Since we will be celebrating Valentine's Day next week, I have researched how to say, "I love you," in 15 languages. (And I, Trina, apologize in advance if I mispronounce any these)
German: Ich liebe dich. French: Je t’aime. Swedish: Jag älskar dig. Polish: Kocham Cię. Italian: Ti amo. Spanish: Te amo. Chinese: Wǒ ài nǐ. Japanese: Anata ga daisuki desu. Greendlandish: Asavakkit. Finnish: Minä rakastan sinua. Russian: Ya lyublyu. Filipino: Mahal kita. Korean: Saranghaeyo. Hawaiian: Aloha.
What is love? Teenager. Love is an attitude. Love is a prayer. For someone in sorrow, a heart in despair. Love extends good wishes for the gain of another. Love suffers long with the fault of a brother. Love gives water to a cup that's run dry. Love reaches low, love reaches high. Love seeks not his own at the expense of another. Love reaches God when it reaches a brother. This poem, "What is Love," has a special place in my heart. I first heard that poem read by a young woman who was blind and read the poem with her fingers.
A former student of mine from Florida sent me this poem - one of her favorites, by Emily Matthews. "A Poem for You." A lifetime of love in a hug and a smile. A reason to visit and stay for a while. The strength of a bond that's destined to last. The joys of the present and the warmth of the past. These are the treasures a fortunate few are lucky to cherish all their lives through. These are the blessings on which we depend, for these are the gifts of a very best friend. Happy Valentine's Day!
Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner
Published in the Marion Record, February 8th 2001.
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I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.
Till next time,
Trina