Some conversations I’ve been having and things I’ve been writing have that word come out now and then.

“In our company, we must be able to fall back on friendship (not authority). I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine. Always.”

“They really don’t get it at first. You’re ‘family’ now. I’ve got your back. As I know you’ll get mine one day.  That’s how it works. The time spent today for you is worth it. Always.”

“Of course you can ask help from me. Always. I’m there for you. For many things. And in many ways.”

I sat and explored the word, it’s dimensions, what it means and why I am able to say it.  So I had a Q&A with myself (it’s a trick I picked up as a Philosophy major, and surprisingly quite effective)

“Always” isn’t bound by time.

Does it mean every time?

Yes.

Like right now?

Yes.

How about in the future?

Yes.

It isn’t bound by results.

 What if you can’t do anything about it?

We will still try.

And, sometimes, it doesn’t expect anything back.

What if I don’t want your help or want to get your back?

That’s ok. The help is here if you want it from me.  And it doesn’t matter, if you don’t have my back. I’ve still got yours. Always.

“Always” is a promise.  It is spoken in the heart of the giver before the words are uttered on the outside.

It tells the recipient that they are important “even if” and “no matter what.” For underneath the promise of always is love. And love (to give to someone, to hope for the best for them, to invest in them, to give time, attention even affection) is never wasted.

And the hope and certainty to promise in all ways, in all times (at least for me) comes from one truth that has kept on showing itself to me over time: Everything, in the end, will be ok. Always.