The love in this photo is so evident that it makes my eyes well with tears every time I look at it. But it’s not for the simple reason that Diego loves his Nonnie - the Nonster - or that Nonnie love her Diego. It’s because Nonnie is related to Diego strictly by marriage to my father and not by blood. As it is with Justin, Nonnie’s affection for DJ is the purest, most honest and beautiful love I have ever known: the love of someone who doesn’t HAVE to love. For me, I have felt this with my step-dad, who I usually call just my dad because referring to him as “step” feels like it cheapens the importance of him to me. The guy was 26 when he adopted me. I was 13 later that year - half his age. It didn’t matter. He loved me, continues to love me, because it felt and feels right doing so. That’s Nonnie too. With her grandkids, she lights up with purpose and joy, pride and satisfaction. All because she adores them through and through. And there’s one more example of a love like this I feel it’s important to point out: Carmen, Diego’s mom. To my oldest son, she is a bold leader, a brilliant educator, a quirky jokester and a devoted caregiver. She loves Justin not because she has to, but because he has always been an integral part of loving me. From the moment she first found me on a dating app, she found him too, and she fell for both of us. She - and indeed her whole family - embraces Justin as part of her pack, a cherished child to be supported, respected and loved. And in her care for JT I see the care of my dad for me; the care of sweet Nonnie for her two grandsons. The care that isn’t required, but is 100% simply true.
