At What Age Can Love Be Felt?
Can a six-year-old child stand on their balcony, waving at passing ships and wonder, “Which ship carries my true love?”
Can they gaze at the stars every night and think, “Which one did I come from?”
Can they dream of flying while carrying such deep love in their heart?
For me, this world was always a place of imagination. Even understanding reality felt like dreaming. I was amazed by myself; the beauty I saw and felt would lift my spirit. My face was always smiling, my eyes were bright with hope—like every child’s.
It was at that age that my love for art emerged—my talent for painting and sculpture. My mother was a great painter, too. My father was a furniture maker, a master woodcarver. He restored the wooden doors of historical buildings and created so many other beautiful works.
But the one who truly discovered my talent was my dear late uncle, Atilla. He was the owner of Milano Mannequin Factory, the first company in Turkey to manufacture display mannequins. He was a sculptor and a master mannequin artist. He created figures for museums all across Turkey—many of his works still stand today.
My brother, my cousin—who was the same age as me—and I would make sculptures and objects from clay with our uncle. He would turn it into a competition between the three of us, and of course, I would always win and claim the ice cream prize!
I loved sculpting with clay the most; it was incredibly enjoyable. But painting was more practical, so I focused on it—and I’m so glad I did. I poured all my anger, joy, and emotions into my paintings. I danced with colors, I made love to them. Standing in front of a canvas, letting myself be carried away by the harmony of the colors, was pure bliss.
As I danced through life, I experienced incredible growth and gained invaluable insights. But sometimes, painting wasn’t enough. I would sit down and write poems or short stories. When my emotions couldn’t be expressed on canvas, I put them into words. I’m so grateful I did, because it calmed my soul, expanded my horizons, and ultimately shaped my journey.
My awareness gave me a unique perspective. The world we live in is an endless land of experiences. Just as you complete one journey, another appears before you!
To understand, to adapt, to keep up with it all—these are the steps to becoming truly human. There are so many steps to climb, but with love, hope, and determination, we can do it. Keep going!
As time flies by, life rushes past us. Work, personal life, growing children… before you know it, you’ve reached a mature age.
Today is my birthday. I’m so glad I was born! I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and experienced in this life. They say, “Life is beautiful when you love,” and it’s true! Love has made me beautiful, and with that same love, I will continue forward with happiness and peace.
To live, to learn, to explore the emotions and experiences this world offers—what a magnificent journey it will be!
I always say this, and I encourage you to do the same:
Long live myself!
Füsun Rüyam Deda