One of the main reasons I look forward to holidays is that I usually get to spend time with my family.  This Easter Sunday I went to Nanaimo where my parents live.  There are many reasons why it is good to go home - I get fed well (and don’t have to cook), I get to relax because I’m away from my computer (which can easily consume a whole day with work, social networking, music, and YouTube), but the main reason why it is so good to go home is that I am reminded that I am part of a loving family.  I have been trying to understand love my whole life (and I will probably continue to learn what love is until the day I die… and even after that), but I see a lot of love in my family.  This is what I witnessed during this visit:

Love is…

…going to a family friend’s house for a hotdog and marshmallow Easter dinner

…helping my mom clean up molasses that exploded in the microwave

…watching TV together, even if we don’t all like the same shows

…my mom and sister helping me sort through boxes of their old stuff (such as pots and pans, cutlery, and other kitchen stuff) so that I don’t have to buy new things.  I’m a poor artist, so I need to save my money.

…my parents giving me Easter chocolate, even though I’m twenty two years old and live on my own.

…accompanying my mom on her errands (dropping off recycling, getting film developed, and buying a bridal shower present for someone I don’t know.  It’s not my idea of fun, but it was time spent with my mom)

…going for an evening walk together while holding a formal debate about pointless matters (such as the definition and purpose of the term “sub-division”) 

…everyone having a say in the colour scheme of the new house renovations.

This is what love looks like at the Hawker house.  Love is found in the simple everday activities.  It is about being a part of each other’s lives.  Love has to do with existence and presence.  That is what I learned this weekend.  What did you learn?