Unconditional love – are we capable of it? – II

This woman, who could not see, hear, speak, think, or even dream; who, through a shattering breakthrough, evolved to counsel us with words, such as,

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched . . . they must be felt with the heart."

Yet, while we all probably remember Helen Keller, few of us have any idea of the dedicated and tenacious teacher who orchestrated her “shattering” breakthrough … Anne Sullivan. (Are teachers ever rewarded?)

Is such a breakthrough in Kit’s future? The eternal optimist, the romantic in me wants to say YES; but obviously, I don’t know. If there is a breakthrough, will it occur “in time,” or will it be 20 years from now before she comes to you, her teacher, in reverential gratitude and with a complete comprehension of the size of your heart and commitment? What if it never comes?

In June of 1999, there was something, some ideal, some need for you and husband to express yourself, to express your desire to love the unloved, the unlovABLE, the unprotected. What was it? Can you reconnect to that state of mind; do you want to? The need to express that which was within you then, is it still there, or have you healed that part of you?

Altruism, are we capable of it? Can I take an action; give a gift, without ANY reward. That means if, in the giving of the gift, I have the thought, “I am a good person for doing this,” I am NOT being altruistic because the thought IS the reward.

Unconditional love, are we capable of it? Are we capable of loving someone without expectation of anything in return, at the very least, gratitude? There have been many figures down through time who WERE capable of it; Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Jesus Christ comes to mind at this time of the year … but hell, they killed him for loving the way he did. Yet, they were all mortals and they learned how to overcome their ego; maybe I can too?

Altruism, unconditional love, are we capable of it? Your situation poses the question for all of us.

(Cont.)

unconditional love, whether it be from a parent, a lover, a savior, probably feels good, or at the least, right when it is being bestowed upon someone else. Maybe they/we are not expecting it, but we are still rewarded in what would seem this small way. Love, I believe always makes its mark. And I’m beginning to agree about what is supposed to happen happening for its own reasons (con’t)

and life working out just the way it is supposed to. It’s just a matter of accepting this and at the same time, accepting love or hate or anger or whatever is thrown at us, and making it in to something we can handle. I’ve been meaning to thank you for the perspective you’ve shed into my little world. It has given me much to ponder the last few days, and much to appreciate that I think (con’t)

I had been taking for granted. Forgiving myself, in the end, will not be easy, but it will definitely be worthwhile. And it will be good. In time. Thanks, Nunzio. *hugs*

Ionuin

December 16, 2003

Even Mother Teresa doubted her giving.. and acted for her own benefit, not just those of others. We may never know another’s internal dialogue, nor see what their motivation truly is. Altruism is an ideal… but I cannot find a single example of it in real life. There is always.. even if slight, a small self satisfying element. That doesn’t lesson the act of giving.