"Always Whole Never Half" by Danielle G.

Love. The word alone has thousands of individually interpreted meanings, most however, have
an artificial sweetness to them that seem like candy to infants but cavities to an adult. Now, I'm
not an expert on love and quite frankly have never experienced it, (if being in love with various
foods and sweets count then sure let's go with that) but as far as being with another person and
knowing the feeling I can't say I have. However, there's this unspoken rule you learn as a child
about love and that is that your other half is out there somewhere. Possibly half way around the
world or even a few blocks away.

We have it ingrained throughout our beautifully innocent and imaginative minds as
adolescents that yes, one day I will find my other half. But, we aren't walking around with one
eye or one ear or even half a heart. We are whole. We have always been whole and we will
continue out the rest of our lives as whole. If this is true and Santa really doesn't exist (I know I
was shocked too), then what are we searching for? The answer to that is probably a shoo in for
a million and one reasons, so, who am I to pick just one? On the contrary, I feel as though
whenever we somehow discover whatever this meaning is it’ll go something along the lines of
not having any imaginary checklists in our minds of half empty boxes with red ink almost making
the check. Every attractive individual that we come in contact with won't be judged off of our
standards and views set from a young age or broken heart. All the names of people we are
hoping to settle down with in our growth as an individual will seemingly fade away.

There will be a washing over of content and realization will hit that the person you are
inevitably meant to be with not complete you but allow you to grow and learn right alongside
them. Someone that laughs at your corny jokes delivering an even cornier joke right back.
Someone that will go on a McDonald's run at three am with you in the pouring rain because you
decided you wanted mcnuggets (no questions asked.) You'll find yourself keen on learning the
ins and outs of this individual and with each random memory shared between you two, you'll
begin to feel the apples of your cheeks tender and sore from the medicine of laughter.You'll take
on their niches clumsily catching yourself in the midst of it thinking of them. Skies may be
gloomy and grey but you'll find the sun peeking through a cloud just across the horizon because
they taught you where to find it. You now notice the beauties in life even more now because of
this individual craving the fresh air and starts of new seasons. You'll want to inhale the new
memories made together, desperately enjoying each second. Minute. Hour. There will be a
sense of relief and a peace brewing within yourself because you will realize you aren't looking
for another half anymore. They as well don't find themselves searching for another half.
Because you both are whole.
                                                         You'll forever be whole.
                                                                    But now you remain whole.
                                                                              Together.