Valentine's Day

Yes, the impending holiday that at least one of my sons abhors. I think he said once it is just a conspiracy to make people spend money on goofy “I Love You” stuff that doesn't matter. He's kind of right in one way. We should try to make the things we do for our true sweethearts meaningful as well as sentimental - and it shouldn't be about how much we spend. It's nice that on this day every year we make a special effort to do something for those we love. Or not. Grumpy has always been better at things like this than I have. He has sent flowers to school for our girls when they were young, gotten cards and or chocolate for all the kids, bought jewelry for me a time or two, (as well as chocolate) and planned many a special evening. I used to make sugar cookies for the kids, and their classes at school, I've helped my girls with valentines for their kids school classes, and I've even sewn dresses for my little girls when they were small for this special day. But of all things, I have to say that most of all, I appreciate that my husband makes all the days special by the way he loves me. He doesn't complain when I am not a great wife, when I make poor decisions, when I'm less than nice, and I could go on and on. He treats me like a queen pretty much all the time. We have our moments, to be sure, but all in all he is the best. There are so many things I appreciate about him, but I am truly thankful for his integrity. That is the one character trait that makes all the others ones work.



This picture of Grumpy is of him doing one of the many things he does every day that help me. I never have to ask him to take out the garbage, he cleans up after himself (most of the time), he is always willing to help with anything. He even knows a little chocolate goes a long way sometimes. We are growing old together, and he is more handsome to me than ever. Our bodies are not young any more, but I love the character that our wrinkles and lines bring to us. No one stays young forever, and I wouldn't trade our experiences in life for anything. There are only a couple I would even consider a re-do on if it were possible. We have had our bad times. We have disagreed, fought over things, been through 6 teenagers and 8 weddings. (The ninth one is coming up). In all of that, plus much, much more, I have trusted him unconditionally with my heart. We live, we learn and I'm so glad we are doing that together after 35 years to work on it. Letting him catch me was the best decision I ever made. Happy Valentine's Day sweetheart. Thank you for all you do.