Love is unconditional and free. As I have a humongous look inward. As a parent, the love given is free-flowing, seamingly unending, at a sacrifice. The Bible will say, oh, you should honor your mother and father. I disagree, the honor back is not required, but a choice, up to her. I choose to honor my own mother by not fighting her and telling her about herself. Remaining quiet, but distant, is me in my version in honor. Back to the topic, was the gift of my parental love free or not. Listen as I come to my own conclusions that yes it is , because there isn't an expectation of receiving back, anything, in any manner. Sometimes, in life that happens, you give your love away, for free. You typically, were hopeful, and happy to give and be in that person's presence. But one day, they choose goodbye. And that hurts, another person removing themselves is extremely disturbing, upsetting, depending on how that went out. So, when it comes to parenting, that's a whole different beast and it can be so confusing. Keep following along, and we'll manage together, in this life, this huge mystery of life and love.