What is love anyway? For me it expresses itself in many ways, but can be abused as well. For me its the look I get from one of my charges when I return home. She has waited all day for her Master to return and she has waited patiently, know that when I return I will give her the affection she craves. Its the joy I hear in the voice of my charge, when I say something that pleases her, her little giggle, that I long to hear. Its the joy I receive when I see one of my charge do well, exceed their own expectations. Its the fact of knowing that I have made a difference in the life of my charge, and they are better for having associated with me. Nikki, love is not found in some alley, and its not found in the dark of night. Love is in the daytime, out in the light for all to see. Because love can hurt, be a weapon many fear it, and its power has been abused more than anything else. Nikki, because someone called it love does not make it so, as you have found out. Go slow Little One, enjoy the victories, and prosper. Do not be confused and don't be afraid to trust, even those that have let you down in the past. Expose yourself, your inner you, and trust that they will not abuse that trust. You must be challenged to grow, and you must go to places that are uncomfortable for that growth to occur. Its better to go there with a trusting partner, than to venture there alone, but either way you need to go. I have learned that love for me, should never be mixed with ego, ego is the nemissis of love. I have made that mistake in the past, and hope to learn from it. Be good Little One, know that I love you, and only want the best for you always. We are of one mind, and your never out of my thoughts.