V day

Valentine's Day is a holiday that is often loathed or loved. Regardless of your point of view, this year's celebration will most likely look a bit differently due to the wretched you-know-what. One year ago, many of us were completely unaware of the chaos and ugliness that would soon enter our daily living. My husband and I were out of town enjoying a dinner theater, a place packed with people and a stage filled with singing and dancing. Just the thought of such a venue makes me shiver right now. It also fills me with sadness as we will break our decades old tradition of getting away for a few days in February. Certainly, there are worse things to feel bad about but it is a loss nonetheless. 

Truthfully, we all know deep down that showing how much we care about someone else should not be based on a day designated by the commercial powers that be. We are bombarded with images of roses, chocolates, jewelry and lovers besotted with one another. Comparing ourselves to such contrived business is foolish at best. How and when we choose to honor those who are important to us is in our control. 

Blessedly, my childhood days were free of so many of the pressures of today's world. Media was little more than a television with snowy images and a couple of channels. Magazines in our household were usually our church periodical and my dad's farm magazine. Rest assured, there wasn't a lot of Valentine's information being touted in either of those publications. The closest we got to a valentine was an occasional box of conversation hearts, taste optional. Be True.

Despite our apparent lack of Valentine observations I never doubted my parents' love for each other. I do not recall a bouquet of flowers or boxes of chocolates being shared but I always knew that they had each other's backs. Seven boisterous children and a growing farm business demanded a shared team approach. Love was often expressed in action rather than things. Occasionally Dad would surprise my mom with a gift, often appliance related. This may seem like the most unromantic gift possible but I was always in awe of how Dad knew exactly what would make Mom's life better. And nothing says love like a new 18-cubic-foot freezer. 

There is no perfect moment or ideal gift in the game of appreciation. Give yourself enough grace to do what makes sense to you. Hallmark will continue to sell cards and gifts, with or without you. Chocolate covered strawberries will be just as tasty in July as in February. Flowers are available any day of the week. 

Take a moment to appreciate those who are important to you. A pot of homemade soup can speak volumes of care for someone else. Cleaning out the basement storeroom can be just as powerful. And, of course, a new freezer is always a home run.

Happy Valentine's Day!