Valentines

I know I’ve written in the past that V-Da is not my favorite holiday. Maybe at one time I enjoyed it – a gazillion years ago – but now, I don’t really like it.  For me, there are too many bad memories around this time of year. My brother died on February 9^th and several years later, my Dad died on the 10^th.  Both of those times, V-Day meant funerals and those memories linger. One time on V-day I was rear ended by another car and landed in the hospital. The doctor drew hearts on my neck brace and prescriptions! Another time, I slipped on ice and struck the back of my head, right outside my door, and that had me seeing stars not hearts! Long ago I became engaged to someone on that date, and I broke it off months later. All bad memories!!

Each year as this date comes closer, I try to get enthused, but it’s such a phony holiday for lovers. If you really love someone, you don’t need a special day to express it – you should be doing that all the time – sometimes with words, but mostly with works. I discovered the real meaning of the marriage vows – in sickness and in health – when I was starting my trip down MS Lane. There was no haggling, no length discussions, just the fact that I’d be in a declining state, and I’d need help. My husband is always there to give me that assistance. That means more to me than flowers and candy. Funny thing, though, when I was healthy, he always sent me flowers at work. The other teachers got jealous, and one went so far as to send some to herself! (I learned this later and was she ever embarrassed!) But now I just ask him not to give me gifts – it’s enough that he cares for me when I need it.

My children have always liked this holiday – they didn’t inherit it from me, though. So each year, I still make Valentine cards, and I bake a little something special for them. I used to make painted candy pops, but I stopped when I was getting too tired to continue the tradition. This year I made shortbread cookie hearts with half dipped in chocolate (a Martha Stewart recipe.) I also have little brownie cups, and I’ll buy a few candies. For the little guy, I also bought some books, and I’ll add a little stuffed animal to it.  We’ll visit him tomorrow, and I’ll take a lunch with us. He’s having a little operation today and the gifts may cheer him. My two boys will get their goodies on Thursday, along with handmade cards. I wish I could use scissors a little better because Martha (again) had some great ones on her show.

My husband and I will just have a simple dinner, but no gifts. We’ll exchange cards, but we both know that it’s actions not words that make love special. So to all of you lovebirds, Happy Valentine’s Day, and may you enjoy it however you please.

Peace,

Muff