Blog #2

September 10th, 2019

As a child, my favorite book was ‘Love You Forever’ written by Robert Munsch. The book is a heart wrenching coming of age story. Growing up, I never thought of the message behind the story. Now as an adolescent, with more complex and developed thinking patterns, I recognize the story is about the enduring nature of a mother’s love and how it crosses generations. Love You Forever lulled me to sleep with affectionate words. On every other page, this sweet refrain is repeated:  

“I’ll love you forever, 

I’ll like you for always, 

As long as I’m living

My baby, you’ll be (Munsch). 

Before this tender ode was a nursery rhyme, it was a way for Robert Munsch to grieve. Robert Munsch and his wife had two stillborn babies. His loss is what inspired him to write this children’s allegory. My sister, who is my best friend, begs me to read Love You Forever before bedtime. It is difficult for me to read the book without a lump in my throat or tears forming in my lacrimal glands. Reading aloud Love You Forever reiterates the unconditional love I have for my sister and reminds me what a blessing she is.