Many years ago I had an extra-special surfboard. It wasn’t custom shaped or designed specifically for me. It was just a stock board from a local surf shop chain. But there was something about this board.

First of all, it was and still is one of the most beautiful boards I have ever seen. The colors and design were not unique or rare, but still so beautiful; A solid color board with two large turtles outlined in purple on the bottom. I used to use that board all the time, no matter what the conditions. Not because it was that versatile, but because of what it gave me. I had a confidence with that board, carrying it, paddling it, catching waves with it.

As long as I had it, I was good. I used to take it out at night to look at it. It was love.

Then the unthinkable happened. Our time together came to an end. I didn’t break the board on some huge wave; No, nothing as noble or dramatic as that. An unfortunate accident crushed the tail beyond repair. As quickly and unexpected as it appeared, the object of my love was gone. The confidence, strength and joy that I felt from the steady flow of love was only a memory which I could draw upon.

All is not lost though. Lucky for me I have been able to be in the presence of that kind of love between two people. While my own faith in love has steadily faded , I can relish in the past, and look upon love like that in others. Until, or if,  I experience a love like that again, I will just look upon it in admiration.

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