Everything I Know About Love

Love is saving the biggest Valentine for your 2nd grade crush, and then lying when they asked if it was intentional.

It’s setting aside the not-quite-ripe-yet blueberries because you know they like them a little sour

and saying they give the best hugs, because you know it will make them feel as warm inside as you do.

It’s making sure to wake up before them so you can have their coffee ready when they get out of bed

and watching their dog for them while they’re away on a work trip.

Love is eating the burnt hot dog off the grill, and pretending to like the worst flavors of freeze pops.

It’s car rides to school, and work, and friends houses, and everywhere else a little brother without a license can’t go.

Love is leaving the a light on and a plate of food in the oven for when they get home late

and spending your one day off a week on your back changing their oil in the driveway.

It’s Popeye tattoos drawn on biceps, in blue ink with a Bic pen, at the kitchen table

and asking if they’ve been eating Miracle-Gro because they’re getting so tall.

Love is sending them a song because you think they’d like it

and hitting the high notes when you sing in the car.

It’s waking them up before bed, after they’ve fallen asleep on the couch…again

and waving to them from the front door as they back out of the driveway.

Love is all of these things, and the moments in between. And that’s what I know about love so far.