Dear Valentine’s Day,
I owe you an apology. When I spoke of you in yesterday’s post, I was not very cordial. I focused on commercialism and other aspects of you that rub me the wrong way. I talked in disparaging tones. I failed to give you the benefit of the doubt.
I take it all back now, Valentine’s Day, and I hope it’s not too late to ask for forgiveness. This afternoon, when my 8-year-old daughter looked at me with her chocolate-brown eyes and softly handed me the valentine she’d made with me in mind, I melted. It was all so sweet and unexpected; the way she taped a piece of dark chocolate to the top, the colored pencils she used to make it more vibrant, the near-perfect heart she cut on her own accord, but most of all, those beautiful words across the front: “I love you.”
I get you now, Valentine’s Day, and I know now that even though you’ve been trying to tell me otherwise, I’ve been misunderstanding you all these years. You’re really well-intending after all, and you have a tremendous heart. All you’ve ever wanted was to bring us together, to remind us of what’s important. Somewhere along the way, I became sidetracked, thinking it was about something else. But it really was all about love, after all.
Thanks, with my daughter’s help, for the clarification.
With much love and great humility,
Peace Garden Mama
Awwww…I love it! Children just MAKE Valentine’s Day! That aside, think it all depends on how we handle, as to whether it becomes an excuse for crass consumerism or a day to express love in a special way. It is a saint’s day, after all!
Happy Vlaentine’s Day! You have become a dear friend in a very short time.
True, Barbara, regarding “It’s what we make of it.” And really, I’ve never been a complete Valentine’s Day Scrooge. But I do like to avoid the frenzied dinner crowds that congregate that evening.
Happy Valentine’s Day back!
That is just so sweet… what a lovely post. I just got it too!
I completely knew what you meant! Read my post today… my dad always says “Valentine’s Day is for amateurs” and he’s right! It shouldn’t be a day about spending lots & lots of money, but it is a day to send special wishes to those that you love & hold dear. I hope that you have a wonderful day. I have so enjoyed our e-mail conversations (I owe you an e-mail btw) and am proud to consider you my friend!
Much love!
I also just want to say that I’ve always been happier to stay in and make a nice dinner. The menu prices get jacked up and everything is overpriced today. We’ve picked a place to go that I don’t think will do that tonight. If more of us practical people did that it wouldn’t be such an obnoxious holiday.
K…. I’ll get off my soapbox now & give you your blog back! [waving goodbye!]