One of my earliest memories of unconditional love occurred in the spring of 1975. I was six. My four sisters and I were huddled around the television in the family room watching Saturday morning cartoons when my father poked his head in and said with a big smile on his face, “Turn the TV off and come into the living room. Your mom’s got a surprise for you.”
Hearing the word surprise, we all jumped up and ran into the living room. But as we turned the corner, we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of our mother sitting in a chair at the other end of the room with a stack of beautifully wrapped presents at her feet.
Frozen and fixed on our mother’s every move, we waited in anticipation for what would come next. Without any delay or explanation, she proceeded to call out all our names, oldest to youngest, and presented us each with a gift.
When my name was called, I ran to my mother’s side, thanked her for the gift and plopped down on the floor right in front of her. To my delight, I found something I had always wanted, a collection of plastic dinosaurs, caves and cavemen.
Consumed by my gift, I was a bit oblivious to what my sisters received. But what I wasn’t oblivious to was the fact that it wasn’t a holiday, someone’s birthday or special occasion. It was just an ordinary day. Curious to the reason for our gifts, I went to my mother and asked, “Mom, I really like my present. I really do, more than anything, but I was wondering. Why did I get a present today? It’s not like it’s my birthday or anything like that?”
She smiled a smile only a loving mother could smile and playfully replied, “Just because.”
My curiosity not satisfied, I asked, “Because of what?”
“No reason. No reason at all. Just because.” She said with that same smile.
“You mean you gave us all presents just because, for no reason at all?” I asked.
“That’s right.” She replied with joy. “Now go and play with your dinosaurs.”
And play I did well into the night.
As I laid in bed that night with a dinosaur in each hand, thinking about this extraordinary day, I couldn’t help but come to the realization that it was possible for me, a six-year old boy, to love and be loved “just because,” for “no reason at all.”
Now as a man, deeply and positively affected by my early childhood revelation, I have come to the conclusion through much trial and error that it is not only possible to love without reason, but it is, in fact, the only way to love.
Rob Gruber
Life Mastery Coach
Copyright 2009
It is always so nice to get these my friend.
Mer,
And It is always nice to get a comment from you! Thanks for you support!
Love ya, just because
Gruber
Hi Rob –
What an awesome memory! I Love to Love for no reason! I am already thinking of the many ways I can show my daughters unconditional Love in surprising ways!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Love,
Tamara
Tamara,
Don’t forget to love YOURSELF as well for absolutely no reason at all! The more you love yourself the more you are able to love everything else, especially those wonderful daughters of yours!
Thank you for your support as well!
Love,
Rob
I love it! 🙂
Thanks Stephanie!
Hi Friend! Loved this…I have been having the experience of loving for no reason at all frequently, recently. ha. And I am learning to apply that love to myself!
what a lovely person your mom must’ve been!
❤
Suk-Ann
Hey Suk-Ann!
So good to hear from you!
You are nothing but love my friend and I am so grateful for your presence in my life!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Love,
Rob
what a beautiful memory; to now have the beauty of carrying on the legacy of loving, “just because”. You are right, it really is the only way to live our lives………..thanks for this- it really strikes a chord with me today!
Thanks Vanessa,
I can’t take credit for being right on this one. While it was taught to me at such a young, it still took me most of my life to truly understand it. but yes, it is the only way to love.
Thank you for your kind words and support and thank you for your blog. You truly are inspiring.
Love,
Rob
What a nice story. I grew up in a similar household full of love.
Thanks Grace for your unending support!
Greetings from Singapore Rob and thank you for a wonderful piece and yes, sometimes I send out pressies to my friends just because and I need not wait for any special occasion.
I have enjoyed this post and what a great childhood indeed.
Thank you for the kinds words Shionge.
I have enjoyed your blog as well.
Happy Chinese Year!
Very nice 🙂