DEAR EDITOR: Some say love is like a flower (as sung by Bette Midler). Looking at a bed of roses, you begin to envisage our Blessed Mother Mary in the midst of this beautiful aromatic fragrance. Maybe God has created us like the rose plant – lovely at the top, but with thorns further down.

I was attentive at Mass when this interesting comment and good observation was made by one of our priests. I quote from his sermon, “Are we seeing what is being called ‘love’ today?”

I have been married for the past 36 years (Jesus, I thank you) and I recognise that during my teenage years having a boy-friend was just that, a boy-friend. Someone who knew the colour of your eyes, strolling on a moonlit night holding hands (saying very little) and with one’s sibling as chaperone. He, being the perfect gentleman would escort you to Sunday Mass, sometimes not being Catholic himself at first, but eventually becoming one. You were treated with the greatest of respect and made to feel like a lady. That was so because you always acted like one.

This poor young man, on occasion might encounter your parent on the street or at the shop, in those days, and with a polite good day or night would hasten his steps and whistle his way home, much to the amusement of your parent. Any serious plan between you two would require a letter to be presented. The rest as they say is “history”. For many married couples there were long years until death.

The good old days may never return but God’s never-ending love for us will not fade. Moral and spiritual values shall not be lost but will be remembered and practised.

Jesus is love. Love is to know him and serve him sincerely.

Lord, you have blessed some of us with the gift of grandchildren. We are now being given a second chance at parenting. Help us to love, love, love, praying and teaching them daily to follow you through their growing years.

Ingrid Diaz, Port of Spain