it’s Valentine’s Day

And I hope you know this before you arrived here! You’ll be surprised to learn I’ve softened my cynical stance on Valentine’s Day after a chat with  my dad not long after my mom died. I was visiting him and after a few glasses of wine he went to the cupboard and brought out a big bag. The bag was filled with cards. Birthday cards, Christmas cards and yes, valentine’s day cards.  For years, my parents would exchange them, often my dad would create hand painted ones! And what was inside totally surprised me – if the stash of cards wasn’t enough!

Each of them would write a few lines, often extremely funny and touching at the same time.  I realized when I was reading theses that the tears were flowing, is it possible to very happy and very sad all at the same time?

Anyway, going through all the years of valentines cards got me thinking, yes, the day is tacky and cheesy and a cash grab. But a little mutual admiration can go a long way. My parents loved each other to the end – and i know its sounds crazy but I know they still love each other.  What I read in their valentines day cards told me so.

There is a strange value in this oddball day, but I still think those spontaneous, unexpected gestures say more, but having 50 years of irrevrend quips and funny comments can probably carry a relationship through many rough seas.

Happy Valentine’s Day – be grateful for what you have and what you can do.