What we do for love

This last week, I have heard so many kind words of encouragement and support while getting Mark through and recovered from surgery. I've been told I'm amazing, inspiring and devoted. I think to myself..."I'm just doing what anyone should do for the person they love." And while I truly appreciate what I've heard, it makes me stop to think..."What else would I do? Why wouldn't I go to visit my spouse at the hospital, walk with him down the halls of his ward/nursing unit, drive through traffic and keep him company while he recovers?" Wouldn't everyone else do the same? What do other people do for love? I have been fortunate to have the opportunity of not having to work and be able to stay home and take care of family members. I am very lucky to have that luxury. It saddens me when I hear friends talk about the things they "have to do" for their family, their loved ones. "I have to take so and so to practice." "I have to spend time with the in-laws." "I have to drive through traffic hour to take the spouse to an appointment because she can't drive herself." How sad...I feel blessed to be able to do things for my loved ones (so long as it's appreciated and not taken for granted). But there are so many other things I will do for love. I would move if I had to...I've had two dear friends move from "home" here in Southern California to start a life with the one they love. I am so happy for both of them. One of them has a beautiful home and is able to work from home. She and her husband are going to give their children a beautiful, wonderful life, because she made the choice to move away to a small town. My other dear friend moved away, with his few belongings, no set job or place to live and now has a fulfilling life. He and his spouse share a lovely home and have great jobs. He is also able to be affectionate in public with the man he loves because he is in a city that is accepting, the way it should be. There are so many things people will do for love...leave their families and friends, quit a job and move far away. Or it can be something simple like giving away the last bite of ice cream because you know how much your mate loves it. Maybe opening a door for someone, filling their gas tank or sharing a silly joke. Maybe people don't do enough and that's why it seems "amazing" and "incredible" when people hear of someone actually going out of their way for someone else? Makes me think of the Meatloaf song, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that..." Hmm...what "that" would you not be willing to do? ;)