Valentine’s Day, the day where love is in the air.
My thoughts have changed about this day over the years.
When I was a child, I loved it.
Drawing all the artwork at school with construction paper, cutting out hearts, all the glue, and glitter.
The joys of taking it home to your parents, grinning from ear to ear.
The fun of picking out just the right box of valentines to give to your classmates.
Trying to not let it show that some kids you liked more than others.
All those cute little heart-shaped candies, that says be mine, decorated cupcakes and so on.
Valentine’s day as a child is simply sweet.
Then come the teen years, with the crushes and boyfriends or girlfriends.
Oh, now it’s the real cards, those Hallmark cards, that are all sweet and romantic, maybe candy or flowers, or both.
Blushing, hugs and a kiss, maybe a date, or maybe even an I love you.
Much to the chagrin of us parents.
Fast forward a bit, the adult years.
Marriage, children, and life as a married couple.
Those cards are still given, often candy and flowers as well, and dinner out, or maybe a special dinner at home with candlelight.
Oh, and the gifts have gotten a bit more expensive for some, a lot more expensive for others.
Women now often expect something special to slip into, and of course jewelry.
But, for me, at least, even though my dear darling husband always gets me things, usually a romantic card, and flowers.
I’ve come to really prefer something that will last, like a living plant I can put in the garden in the Spring to enjoy forever.
Maybe a sentimental object that I can look at and cherish and treasure for years to come.
But most importantly of all, you know how everybody treats their loved ones so very special on this one day of love.
I would prefer to have every day of my life be the way it is on Valentine’s day, wouldn’t you?
Each and every day filled with kindness, love, and adoration for one another.
That to me is the greatest gift for Valentine’s day, a day of love and kindness that just repeats itself every day for the rest of our lives.