Why do I cry?
Is it because I am sad?
Partly so, but not entirely.
The tears fall because of the memories that come flashing back.
Random memories of the little things that when put together, make up for the biggest things that matter.
Why do I know that?
Because those are the ones I remember. 
Those random little things that left their mark in my memory bank.
The random acts of love have filled me up, it overflows.

I now realize why I cry and still continue to cry.
It’s grief, yes. 
It’s loss, yes.
It’s longing, yes. 
But most of all, it’s love.
Each tear that falls represents love. 
I was loved.
Deeply loved.
Unconditionally loved.
Selflessly loved.
Even as I write this, tears start to fill my eyes again.
But of all the reasons to cry, this is now my favorite one.
These love tears borne out of memories which were imprinted in my being.
They found their way out to remind me that it’s ok to cry.
To live is to love.
To love is to feel both joy and pain.
To cry as I relive those moments with every drop of tear.
Tears that I now welcome and embrace.

Love tears. 
How wonderful you are. 
You tell stories that hold people close even though they are far.
Even after they have gone, to never return.

Imprints.
These memories that have made their way to the recesses of one’s soul.
You are there in my deepest core, kept hidden but very much alive. 

Imprints and love tears. 
I cry because of you.
And I smile because of you, too.