Love Has No Boundaries
By Veronica MacDonald Ditko
An Accidental Anthropologist
February is for sweethearts. And as much as I try not to buy into the commercialism that now surrounds Valentine’s Day, I do like to get small items for loved ones, or even make some.
I’m a romantic. I have read and seen more Jane Austin stories and movies than you would ever know. My husband just scratches his head. He doesn’t get Jane Austin. But that’s ok. We’re together for different reasons. I think one of the first reasons was our hatred of ketchup. I had never met a person (in America) who didn’t use that on French Fries.
It was a surprising, unique and happy coincidence. Something we had in common. And such commonalities are what begin most lasting relationships.
Of all the things I’ve seen in my life, both on and off screen, the most romantic thing I ever saw happened on a bus. There was a petite couple and they were just so giddy together. They were absolutely adorable. Every time we through a tunnel, they kissed. They laughed and held hands. And they were so deliriously happy and in love. They also both had Down’s Syndrome.
I had grown up with a very nice young man with Down’s Syndrome. Mac was loved by everyone. And until I saw that couple on the bus, I didn’t realize that Mac would want a relationship too one day. Why wouldn’t he deserve that kind of happiness? And who better to date than someone who understands your disability firsthand? People have dated for much less!
Although I’m pretty sure Mac would never call Down’s Syndrome a disability. He did just fine. Nothing held him back. And he was so beloved, that I’m sure he found someone by now who is very deserving of his love and affection.
Because we all deserve to not only be loved, but to give love. My heart breaks when I hear about abuse. The free-flowing love is broken, skewed. I hope for everyone’s sake they can find the kind of love I saw between that couple on the bus. It was pure. It was true. There was no other place they wanted to be than in each others’ arms where it was safe, warm and cozy. And I hope they will enjoy that for many years to come.
Veronica MacDonald Ditko is originally from the Jersey Shore, but married and settled in northern New Jersey. Her journalism career started a decade ago after studying Psychology and Anthropology in Massachusetts. She has written for several newspapers and magazines including The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Springfield Union News and Sunday Republican, Happi, Chemical Week, The Hawthorne Press, The Jewish Standard, Suite101.com and more.
“Because we all deserve to not only be loved, but to give love. My heart breaks when I hear about abuse. The free-flowing love is broken, skewed. ”
I am so thankful for my honey every day I awaken.
It’s important to remember, though, that relationship abuse is real and it is better to be single than in an unhealthy relationship. During this time, let us celebrate love but also lend our love and support to our friends who are victims of relationship abusers. The stats say you know at least one such person. It might even be your child’s friend. Be aware and care.
http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=21278
http://Www.teensagainstabuse.org
http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/ADV/
We usually think of romantic love in terms of young people. There are really no age boundaries. Couples who have grown old together and having faced the challenges and joys of careers and family while still remaining deeply devoted to one another inspire me. That twinkle you see in grandma’s or gandpa’s eyes may be more sensual than you suspect.