Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. You already know that because I've told you many times. I'm not sure, really, why it is. It's not as if it's a grand, special day for your dad and me. I don't expect flowers or a heart-shaped box of chocolates or some gigantic stuffed animal, or even want any of those things to be honest. I think I love Valentine's Day because I get nostalgic for what the day meant to me when I was more your age. I loved making valentines for everyone in class; doilies, glitter, and stickers were the media of choice, and they were made extra special if a cherry lollipop or pencil could be taped to them. I loved decorating the box or envelope that would collect all those class valentines. And then, oh, the anticipation of opening them all up and seeing which cards read, "You're Cute" or "Bee My Valentine" or something else equally cartoonish. They were silly, I knew, but I loved them. I loved those chalky candies with the blurred messages on them, and the chocolate cupcakes that always seemed to be at the class parties. I loved those parties!
Your dad and I had our first date the day before Valentine's Day, and one year later, we got engaged. Each year, I feel like the love that we have gets stronger and better... BUT... I gotta tell ya, kiddo, I don't think I knew what love meant until you came along. You were due on Valentine's Day, and had you actually been born on that day, there would never be any discussion as to which holiday was my favorite; however your birthday doesn't need to be on February 14th for me to think Valetine's Day is extra special because of you. You are love to your dad and me.
Someday, someone will secure a place in your heart -- that romantic, passionate place of your heart -- and Valentine's Day will take on a different meaning for you. And while you may not yet be ready for roses and serenades from underneath your window, I hope you know how much your dad and I love you, and, so, in honor of the day I'd like you to know some of the things that we've done to proclaim our love for you.
- We've made you eat so many vegetables that you can't even think of one that you don't like.
- We make you go to bed on time.
- We give you limits and boundaries. You know you have them, and you know what they are.
- We don't buy you a treat every time we go to the store.
- You don't have an iAnything yet.
- You wear hand-me-down clothes.
- You have shelves full of books.
- You understand discipline so well that all it takes now is one raised eyebrow and a tilted head from us, and you know you've crossed the line.
- We try to be supportive of your interests, which is why I spend several hours a week at the dance studio and why we're learning the guitar right along with you.
- We've never once let you quit in the middle of a game.
- We've never once "let you win" a game.
- We raise the bar for you because we know you can reach up to it.
- We think it's great if you're not always #1 in your class.
- I pack your lunch.
- We try to eat dinner as a family as often as possible.
- We read you a bedtime story every single night.
- If your teacher ever tells me you're slipping, I'm going to take her side first.
- We tell you the truth. Always.
- We tell you we love you. All the time. Every day. No matter what.
Love,
Mom
