Some say Valentine’s Day is little more than another Hallmark holiday, and to an extent, I agree. On the other hand, when you’re new to love, a romantic gesture on Valentine’s is always appreciated. And if you’re in a long-term relationship or a marriage and you forget to acknowledge your Valentine in some way…
Quick! Better dash to the closest store to pick up a bottle of wine, a card, a bunch of flowers! Unless you have a supremely understanding partner.
And if you have kids? Little ones?
You’re likely sending them off to school with a box of brightly colored Valentines or something yummy to share with their classmates, and maybe something special they made for their teachers.
As pleasant as a token of affection may be in a romantic context, to me, the sweetest Valentine’s remembrances have been those from my children. I have a drawer full of homemade “treasures” that I cherish: construction paper cards, decorated drawings, and small painted boxes filled with confetti hearts.
At sentimental moments, I long for those days with my little boys at the kitchen table, busy with their crayons and construction paper, stickers and sparkles, and the excited smiles that accompanied them. But like other parents, I’m glad (and relieved) to see my children launched, healthy, and thriving on their own.
From time to time, my kiddos surprise me with their thoughtfulness, even now. The other night, my elder son called from Europe to chat as he was walking home from a yoga class. Just. So. Sweet. And my younger son brought tears to my eyes on New Year’s Day when I discovered a voice mail he left for me during the night, amidst New Year’s revelry with his brother and their friends. While I suspect he had enjoyed a bit of beer or bubbly, his message was an amusing ramble of “happy new year,” “I’ll talk to you soon” and “I love you.”
Just. So. Sweet.
I recall another message I received from him years ago, a tale I told in a roundabout way here. (Prepare the hankies. It’s a tear-jerker.)
When I woke early this morning, fully aware of the date, I wanted to share a few tender (and trying?) tidbits from the parenting files. I’ve captured a number of them on these virtual pages, and these are among my favorites.
And how can I ever forget the Latvian living in our hall closet, courtesy of my kids? Or the middle-aged woman pinned by the towering teen?
I grin — now — when I recall the happy messes, the unexpected adventures, the rowdy romping through the house with our own “air dog,” and all the adolescent hijinks.
While I haven’t forgotten the sleepless nights and the stresses and the heartache (or the gray hair from those teenage years), I focus on the joy my sons have brought into my life.
Sweetest. Stuff. Ever.
This morning, I also think of Parkland, Florida, and 17 lives taken at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School one year ago. The scourge of gun violence in the U.S. is senseless; that it takes place in our schools, horrifying; the resistance to common sense gun safety laws, incomprehensible. If ever there was a crisis to turn our attention to, isn’t that it?
Let us remember. Let us do what we can. Let us be as determined and courageous as the Parkland kids whose activism has inspired many of us.
On that note, I wish you a day filled with love.
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I’m practicing self-compassion and rest, snuggles with dogs…
Wishing you a day with love ? as well!
Self-compassion, rest, and dog snuggles sound wonderful, TD!