Happy Heart Day

So here we are encrouching on that ever-so-silly holiday. Valentine's Day.
Ick. I have never been a big fan of this holiday. I don't think it's right that we need a "holiday" to tell people we love them, to tell each other how much we mean to one another. It'd be nice if people did that all the time and didn't need one stupid day on the calendar to set aside and do that. True, we get busy and may sometimes forget but this day...ugh.

This is technically my 8th Valentine's Day with Rob. But that first one, 8 years ago THIS Valentine's Day my dad passed away, ironically, from a heart attack. Happy Heart Day. It sure doesn't seem like 8 years ago that is for sure. For some reason this year I find myself missing him more and more. Maybe it's because I have two little ones now... not only an energetic, beautiful little daughter but a son who sometimes reminds me of my side of the family - his facial expressions, his mannerisms, the fact that he only has two teeth! (he he he!)
Anyway - Christmas was tough this past year, and I find Valentine's Day especially tough too. As time passes I feel traditions slipping away and that's not ok. It's up to me to make sure that traditions carry on or get started. With a family of my own now there's no margin for error as far as that is concerned. Thankfully some gummy worms and temporary tatoos are all my kids need to have a successful Valentine's Day so far. That husband of mine...he could care less too but I feel like I have to do something. I'm running out of time to get him SOMETHING...before I have to start all over and find him SOMETHING ELSE for his birthday just two days later. EEK! I'd love to buy him that Mustang and just have it sitting in the driveway when he gets home from work today...the problem would be the color, the rims, the radio - This purchase has to be just perfect...and besides that fact - if I bought it for him he'd have nothing to talk about so...that rules that out! It's looking like Gummy Worms and Temporary Tatoos for my husband too. We've come a long way over the last 8 years - that first year I was eagerly looking forward to going out that night with a large group of friends to an "unvalentine party" and getting to know Rob better - now I know him so well I don't even know what to get him for a gift! With me as the perfect wife there's nothing else he could possibly need or want! HA!

Anyway - As silly as this "holiday" is - we must embrace it. Embrace each other. Tell people how important they are in your life. One never knows when their number is up and we must live each day to the fullest - Even though the date on the calendar is somewhat meaningless to me, the thought is not. I will let my loved ones know they are. That I value them. That they mean the world to me. That I am who I am because of them. There have been some long long days in my world this winter - I'm excited for the temps to rise about 0, to get outside and do SOMETHING, even to open the windows and enjoy some fresh air, but that doesn't mean I'm any less grateful for what I do have. I am thankful that I am able to get up each day, walk outside and shiver me timbers. They get heavy but I can carry both of my healthy kids (at the same time mind you). These things get taken for granted by many of us - but a simple visit to a caringbridge site for one of the many people that we know gives me a quick reminder how big these everyday mundane tasks are for some folks who aren't as lucky and as blessed as we are.
This Valentine's Day, and all the days that you are blessed with to come - Love one another.