People cry because of physical pain, frustration, or love. We hope to minimize crying out of physical pain or frustration. But crying out of love is a beautiful thing.

Last week I attended my Grandmother’s funeral. Her death was not unexpected. Her health had slowly deteriorated. When she entered hospice care, we knew she had only days to live.

She had lived a full 84 years. She had traveled to every state in the United States, and abroad throughout Europe. She had 6 kids, 17 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. She lived in her own house until months before her death. Family, friends, and good food filled her last day. She died as well as anyone can hope.

My Grandmother’s funeral had fewer tears than other funerals. This is not a negative comment. She was loved. She is missed. But we had our time to say goodbye. The funeral was more a time to honor the life she had lived.

My memory of tears from that day comes from the opposite side of the spectrum.

My brother became a father two months ago. He is completely in love with his daughter. It is a love that transforms him, a love that is obvious to the casual observer. Later that day, at home, he was attending her. Holding her, playing with her, he was moved to tears. Love had made him cry.

That was a beautiful moment, one that I will treasure. I wish all children were as loved as my niece.

When did love last make you cry? Share in the comments below.

*Photo credit: Dr. Wendy Longo, wtl photography (Creative Commons License)