What I remember from Valentine's Day was being in elementary school and working with red and white doilies to make hearts and attaching retro cupid stickers to make something special so that Georgie Peorgie would look my way. Or was it William Farmer? The one who owned a dairy farm and got kicked in the head by a milk cow on our field trip to another dairy farm? No, I don't think it could have been him. I can still recall in clear detail the blue and purple hoof shaped valentine Miss Betsy had left on his face and he got teased quite a bit until the swelling went down and he could open his mouth wide enough to tell us to all get lost. Or whatever words he chose....We all had fun getting white glue on our fingers and laughing with each other about who loved who and who was getting the most cards. And of course, we all had to make a special card to take home and one for teacher. Good memories.
Whenever I go into the dollar store and I see those lacy doilies and glitter pens, I'm always tempted to try and recreate my childhood and see if it really was that great. Sometimes a moment viewed during the eyes of a child are sweeter and time photo shops the moment by softening the edges, removing the pain of dashed hopes and leaving a beautiful picture of hope for love to begin in our hearts.
In reading news headlines and hearing reporters crack witty jokes at the expense of politicians today...seeing commercials for aid desperately needed to children and families in lesser fortunate circumstances, my conscience is nudged. I wonder what I can do to bring Valentine's Day to someone today. Even if it is not in the traditional meaning with the doilies, white paste still clinging to my fingers and naked cherubs dancing all around. Today, I'm spending the afternoon with my parents, having a long, lazy lunch at home. We were supposed to go out but a few of us haven't been feeling well lately so this is a nice invitation for me. I considered being lazy, selfish and saying no because I was just getting over the flu bug. But then I remembered that if I scraped past the crust of selfishness, I really have a sweet, center of mushiness that will do just about anything for a friend or my family.
My parents are not as young as they once were and I want to be there for all the invitations they give me now and send some of my own, as well. Valentine's Day is not about some sainted figure or trying to become one. For me, Valentine's Day is living in the moment, enjoying our blessings and treating ourselves once in a while...
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