I am going to come out of the closet and admit that I love the show "Glee". I know, I know, it is a show that is geared towards teenagers, but I love the music; music that sometimes makes me feel so happy that I want to get up and dance, and music that sometimes make me think. As a parent, I like the show because it tackles complex issues that teens struggle with, but often are not talked about. While I initially got hooked on Glee watching it with my teenage daughter and her friends, I have continued to watch it because it is like going to a great musical every week. While I am confessing, I will also admit to owning a Glee CD. I have to wonder how many other parents watch the show, not because their teenager likes it, but because they secretly enjoy the music. Surely I am not the only "Over 40 Glee Geek". Maybe we need to start a new phenomenon where the closeted over 40 Glee lovers write on their Facebook status...."I am over 40 and I love Glee".
This week the show centred around Valentine's Day. A day that many dread because they find themselves without a boyfriend/girlfriend, a lover or a partner. A day that makes many feel alone in the world. Mr. Shue challenged the kids to pick a song that best communicated what they felt love was. That got me thinking about what love is for me. Love....a four letter word that while often tossed around loosely and without meaning, is at the same time not expressed enough.
For me love is about walking through life with someone that you can just be you with; it is about laughter; it is about loyalty; it is about being nurtured when you need it, and nurturing someone when you know they need it; it is about being able to share your dreams, your hopes and your fears with someone who wants to hear them and you wanting to hear theirs; it is about sharing life's passions, and yes sometimes sharing life's tears; it is about celebrating the good times and being there during the difficult times; it is about taking a stand for someone when it may not be easy to; it is about reminding someone how special they are to you on days when they aren't feeling so special; it is about feeling so safe with someone that you feel like you can face anything as long as you have them beside you; it is about getting a smile on your face when you hear the voice of that special someone, or even just think about them; it is about being able to feel their hug even when their arms are not around you; and it is about knowing with certainty that that person will be there when you call, and being there when you are called.
Okay, now the "Glee Geek" in me is coming out because I want to stand up and start singing the Carole King song "You've Got A Friend". When I look back, the best lovers I have had have been great friends, and still are to this day; and my friends are people that I have shared great love with.
Valentine's Day has been defined as a day that celebrates love and affection between "intimate companions". Intimacy can be defined in many ways other than sexual. In fact, you can be sexual with someone and share absolutely no intimacy, and you can share great intimacy with someone who you are not sexual with. Who says that Valentine's Day has to be a day only for "lovers", other than the chocolate, jewellery, flower and greeting card industries? In fact, the early links to Valentine's Day were more focused on sacrifice than romantic love; for me a truer meaning of love. So while I do not have a lover in my life this Valentine's Day (the first time since I have been a teenager), I will take time to think about those that I know truly love me - I am not alone. I will also take time to think about the people I love; whether it be a past lover, a friend, a family member or someone that is very special to me. Love, true love, is not lost even if there is an ocean between us. To all my Valentines - I love you, and thank you for loving me.
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