Grandma's Here

It was said by George R.R. Martin that “A reader lives 1,000 lives before he dies.  The man who never reads lives only once.”
While I may not agree with that entirely, I do feel I know what they are getting at.  I personally feel another life can be lived in a documentary or movie.  Many contain principles.  Ok some it is just “stay away from such books (or whatever it is).”  But many movies, or books or documentaries contain principles for life.  Even fantasies contain principles I believe can make a difference and impact my life for the better.
I recently read a statement I think will stay with me.  It concerns love - a topic I have covered a few times before and no doubt will again.  The statement was something like “The most important thing is to love and be loved.”  Everyone is loved - whether it is accepted or not.
It amazes me how when something like this hits me, I tend to see and hear example of it everywhere.  A guy was talking about a kid being in hospital and the importance and relevance of say a grandmother coming to visit and saying the words “grandma’s here.”  Knowing I am loved inspires.  The kid may be the worst but knowing “Grandma’s here” and knowing grandma loves despite, can inspire the best.
The thing for me is that love is not just to be received but to be given.  Someone said something recently that really got me thinking. “You only grieve for what you love.”  From my experience that is true.  When someone passes or goes away I am sad and may shed some tears.  When someone is killed in a far off war I tend to say, “pass the salt please” or whatever I am involved in at the time.
Yet I really think love is to be extended and is a doing word.  The highest form of love is loving when I do not feel like it.  Unconditional love.  That is so not easy, and I know I need help for that one.  Loving the unlovely.  Loving the one who does not seem to deserve my love.
Yet I ask myself who am I to set the standard for love?  Someone better at it than I may render me dispensable based on my own standard.
 It seems unlovely aspects are everywhere.  I am responsible for me.  All I can do is love as best I can.