A Tribute of Love

As with most things, Valentine's Day has become more special as time passes. I have never been a fan of this holiday. I never understood why we needed a day to tell the ones we love, that indeed we do love them and think of them fondly. It was always a day filled with silly little cards, candy and some outrageous junk that are to symbolize the love that one feels for another. Dentists must love this holiday, along with Halloween. Two days that give children an excuse to forgo the rules and gorge themselves with sweet confections. This being said, the pure happiness and excitement that arises on my children's faces when they open these tokens of affection is enough to make even me, take a little joy in this holiday.

I remember as a child, Momma would get each of a small box of conversation hearts accompanied by a stuffed animal of some sort. Without fail, this was her tradition. My first year of college, I received my package of these two things just days before Valentine's Day. And as almost predictable, a package arrived, covered in hearts, on Thursday. Inside this package: Conversation hearts in little plastic purses for the girls, M&M for our boy (of course, I will eat those :)) , and instead of the stuffed animals--clothing. Little pink shirts with hearts and jewels, and a onsie with a brave, roaring lion. On Saturday, were red and pink envelopes with loving wishes from Joni and Papa. We didn't open those yet, for one didn't arrive with the rest. We will have to wait until they all get here to see what is inside. This year's holiday was spent mostly on the highway. We took a trip to Texarkana to visit Charlie's Grandparents. It was a much need trip, too long since the last. As we left seeing Nanny, she told us that our special Valentine surprise made the pain go away. (She has been in the hospital with a compound fracture in her back.) And I guess, that is what this day is about. Love so strong, no matter the miles between. It is a thing that can be put in the back of our minds, as we drudge on day by day doing life's endless tasks. The love and memories are never gone or taken for granted, but are not reflected upon with such detail on a daily basis. On our way to Texarkana, we made a stop in De Kalb and waiting for the children were gifts from Grandma & Tank, Charlie's Maternal Granparents. The kitchen was filled with heart shaped ballons and little bags with bears stuffed in them for each of them. Of course, this was a big hit. Who knew that a shiny, floating balloon could make a small child's heart sing. It was so hard to pry the string from Riley's hand when we left to see Nanny and Papa. Upon turning in for the night, the balloons were tied to the bed, so within sight, but not within reach as the girls drifted off to sleep.

On our way home today, it became clear that we are making the same cherished memories for our children. And that Valentine's Day may come but once a year, but love, no matter the packaging, should be given unconditionally, and should not wait for a day on the calendar to be opened.