Love....

The most ambiguous word that I have ever encountered and integrated into my daily life.

Over this past week, I think I have both exhibited and encountered love on an entirely new level that will hopefully propel me to another level in my life and relationships that exist within it.

I lost my grandmother on February 21, 2009. She was the sassiest, classiest, most glamourous and loving woman that I have ever encountered in my life. She displayed and exuded style to me before I had friends to turn me onto fashion parameters as an adult. She was a woman, a wife, mother, grandmother, great - grandmother and friend to so many for 82 years.

She was blessed with family, friends and most of all one of the most loving husbands in the world. It breaks my heart to see my grandfather at this time. He cared for her for over 8 years as her health began to deteriorate in 2000. The good thing is that her spirit never left, just certain physical capacities.

They met and married when she was 20 years old. They honeymooned at Coney Island in New York, made a home in Virginia, put each other through college, raised three children....and their children's children.. but most of all, they loved each other through numerous storms, trials and tribulations. I love my grandmother for always being a caregiver, and stylish at the same time !!! She never spoke a bad word against my grandfather...never ! They loved each other... PERIOD ! She gave him affirmations and praise for the roles he played within the family. He cooked for her, cleaned the house, took her to physician appointments, brought nice gifts home for her. Most of all he loved her unconditionally.

They loved each other.

Heartbreak to me is not some boyfriend breaking up with me. It used to be defined by that...an attempt at love that went left. Heartbreak now has a totally different definition. Heartbreak is seeing an 87 year old devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather mourn the death of his beloved. Heartbreak is seeing a single rose on the pillow she once rested her head. Heartbreak is hearing the man who has always been the pillar of strength cry at the thought of his companion of 62 years never calling his name again. Heartbreak to me, now, is knowing that two people who gave love a genuine shot... a valiant effort... undeterred by death, drugs, recessions, false accusations... bowed out according to their vows.

He loved her. She was gorgeous, caring and giving. He protected her. She loved him. He provided for his family. She dedicated her life to him and their children. He did the same.... they kept their promise....