Devotion

Earlier today I was on line at a craft store and this older man ahead of me was checking out a bunch of silk roses. He struck up some small talk with the sales woman about the weather and I was thinking "Why would a man buy silk flowers?' . They kept talking when all of a sudden he answered my question: "It better stop raining tomorrow! I have to go down and put these flowers on my wife's grave." I instantly wanted to cry and was slightly ashamed for thinking he was strange for buying silk flowers. I started thinking why tomorrow? Their anniversary? Her birthday? The same day she died? Whatever the reason, he was devoted to remembering her in some way.

It got me thinking about devotion. What is it? How do you measure it?

I don't think any man I've ever been with was THAT devoted to me....something that comes with disappointment, I guess. I wonder what it feels like to have a lover be devoted, not only to me, but to our relationship and keeping it strong. I think back to all the times I solely was the one who kept the relationship strong. I know what it feels like to devote myself to others, but never has one been devoted to me. I hope that changes...

I know my cat is devoted to me...TOO devoted in fact. The world stops when I walk through the door. I wonder if that's how it feels when a man is devoted to me.

And then there's friends and family. I think back to all the things I've done for people out of devotion for them. And I also remember some of things people have done for me for the same reason. I recently did something I'm not proud of. I interfered in a situation that I should have stayed out of. However, I was so angry that I couldn't keep my mouth shut. Ultimately, I was applauded for doing it, but I felt guilty. Who am I to judge someone and what they do with their life? And then after seeing this man in the craft store, I realized why I did it. I am devoted to my friend. I love her and I don't want her to get hurt. I no longer regret my actions.

My last thought on devotion takes me back to the cemetery. I recently was in MA and went to visit my uncle and grandfather's grave. Nearby is the grave of a young solider who lost his life in Iraq at the age of 21. You can't miss hiss stone- it's huge, and heavily decorated with lawn ornaments, beer mugs, and memorabilia from his life. Not to mention carefully manicured plants and flowers. Somehow, I'm drawn to it every time I see it. While I was there this time, the solider's grandmother came to water his plants. She starting asking us about our uncle and grandfather and started telling us about her grandson. She offered to maintain my family's grave, since we were nice people and she's there everyday. EVERYDAY! She said when she needs peace, she comes with a beach chair and spends the day with him, by the end of the day she finds her answer. THAT'S DEVOTION.

Whatever the strength of devotion is, I leave you with this question:

Have you showed your devotion to someone you love? If not, do something to show how much you love that person. Let them know they're special. If you have, keep doing it.