Saturday, February 7, 2009

How Do You Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day was once thought to be a holiday for lovers. You hear of boyfriends shopping for the
ultimate gift for their girlfriends and vice versa. The guy that would be the topic of conversation among
his friends, family and neighbors for giving the gift that surpassed all others. See the panic in people's eyes
as they rummaged through stores not being able to afford what they wanted to give. Thus settling on
something less hoping for the best.

When did the art of giving gifts become so stressful? Where does it say that only lovers were eligible to
celebrate this holiday? Unfortunate as it seems the holiday is upon us once again. Should we try to get
ready for it as we do Christmas, shopping two or three months ahead of time?

I myself am not involved with anyone so I don't have that problem. But I am going to celebrate it
with someone I love. My mother. She lost her husband three years ago to Alzheimer's.
Her life partner and friend. I know a daughter is hardly anyone to replace a life partner but for now it
will do, for her. She is older now and though we have our time of difficulties the good out weigh the bad.

So when everyone is saying, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I will be wishing this same thing for my mother. I
do love her. After all she was the one who held my hand through the good times and bad. The scary times
when school separated me from my comfort zone at home. When the bell rang I knew I would soon be in
the comfort of her arms once more.

I am expecting my first grandchild in six months and can hardly wait until the time comes when I can
share holidays with her/him. My mother and I plan to love the baby with all our hearts which is what
it is truly all about right?

Valentine's Day may just be every day when you really look at it. When love can be given away freely.
From one person to another without reservation and never expecting anything in return. How will
you spend this day?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen. I'm in the same boat as you, Cindy--without that "significant other" for Valentine's Day. My mother, as you know, lost her husband also (on January 29 this year) and I think SHE will be my Valentine's Date. Thanks for the inspiration! Good post!

Joe Prentis said...

Great article, Cindy! Sometimes we forget that love isn't the exclusive property of the young.

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for the beautiful post, Cindy! We certainly don't need to wait for Valentine's Day to express our love to those dear to us, and I think there are great ways to do that besides giving gifts. Congratulations on your coming grandchild! What a blessing to still have your mother as well! Many generations of love to share.

Gabe said...

I truly enjoyed this post and learned something about love. It's moving to hear you sharing time with your mother on Valentines day and waiting with love for the arrival to the family. And if there is one think I can ask God for this child - that HE would have the heart of his grandmother...

I love you mom and I am very proud of all you do!

Your son,

Gabe