I love the opening of "Rent". It makes the audience start thinking about love, which is what the main idea of the musical is. Since V-Day is just around the corner I thought I'd write something to express my love for those who've shown me what love is.

For those of you who know me, you know I don't like February, or "the month of love." Valentine's Day, in my opinion, is a crap holiday. I just don't get why you need a holiday to show love. You should show in every day and not just put so much stock in one day a year. But, that's my little anti-V-Day rant. This article is for those who have shown me love, not only on Cupid Day, but on every day of the year.

My Parents

They taught me that fights are inevitable in love, but you've got to be mature enough to talk everything out. They also raised me in an environment where I believe in true love. True love for me isn't just romantic love, it can be for friends, pets, teachers, students, pretty much every person you come in contact with in your life. They raised me to show and have this love that only comes from the Lord, and they made sure I had that in my life, while making sure that it was always my choice in what I chose in my faith, instead of making me follow their beliefs. They gave me the freedom of choice, albeit with consequences that I had to learn along the way, which enabled me to figure out my own path. They never forced what they thought was best onto me and I am so glad that I grew up in the environment with them that I saw that they loved me enough to make my own mistakes and grow from them.

My Friends

Whether they've been in my life for years or months, I appreciate them so much for putting up with my loud, obnoxious self. The love they've shown me is in their gift of time. When I deal with different situations, they are the support system I have in my life. It varies from forcing me to study psychology (ew) to staying up until 3 a.m. just to play card games and Monopoly. The time I spend with them is invaluable because they always put me in a better mood. I'm not saying they're perfect, because none of us are, and we've all had our short comings and mistakes in our relationships, me more than any of them, but I truly love their company. They call me out when I need to be and aren't afraid to hurt my feelings to get me to the point I need to be at. They're my family away from family; they're my tribe.

My (Heart) Aunts

I've learned more about selfless love from the aunts I have. They are always the first to contribute to my fundraisers and always show up to my events. They are like my fairy god mothers who always love and support me through every short coming and every highlight. They travel with us on family vacations and are part of our little family. I strive to be as selfless as they are and as giving as they have been, not only to me, but to my family and their friends as well, in every aspect in my life.

My Girls

They're, of course, not really my girls, but they're the closest thing that I've got to sisters. I love them so much and every time I'm home from college I try and see them. They taught me what it's like to love and try to be a (hopefully good) sister. Over the years of knowing them, I've gotten the privilege of watching them grow and attending some of their sporting events. They have taught me many lessons, ones involving patience many times, but they've shown me what it's like to have a couple of sisters. I would do anything for them and their family, and I am so glad that I have them in my life, especially since I always wanted a little sister.

My Lost Friends and Family

Whether these people have been called home by the Lord, or just grown apart through time, these people have taught me that love is unconditional. As you grow, you begin to realize that, as "Love Actually" puts it, love is actually all around. I've realized recently that I've lost more friends and family in the past couple years than I've lost in my whole life. It hurts; I'm not going to lie. But, what I've also learned is that you've got the beautiful, golden memories and tea pot to hold onto from those people no longer in your life and recollect on when you miss someone. Even if they aren't in your life anymore, you still cherish them. Time doesn't put a stopper on love.

"As I have loved you, love another." - John 13:34