My mom is talented in the way she celebrates holidays, from the themed pair of socks on her feet to the little gifts she has thoughtfully prepared for her kids.
Every morning on Valentine's Day I would walk to the kitchen to find the room decked out in fun red decor, and at my place setting, a card and some small gifts and candy. Maybe it was a CD I had been wanting or a funky pair of socks and some art supplies, what the gift was didn't really matter so much now that I think about it. It was the fact that my mom went the extra mile to make sure we knew how loved we were on this special day.
Sure there have been Valentine's days with and without boyfriends, and I *may* have worn black one Valentine's day that I was single with all of my girlfriends (oh, adolescence). But the consistency of my mom showing me love in this way was always something I looked forward to. After all, who doesn't love to know that they are loved? That someone thinks you are worth going the extra mile for, even if it's only in the form of a handwritten card or a gesture of kindness.
I miss my mom on days like today, and sometimes wish I could go running back home to my parents' house on 421 Merion Drive and sit in the kitchen with my family all together again. But time and life have had us all move on from that place, and the best parts of it remain in our memories and relationships with each other.
This Valentine's Day, I challenge you to love. To make a little extra effort, and show love more clearly to someone in your life today. It doesn't have to be romantic, just sincere. Make someone's day by letting them know how special they are to you!
Happy Valentine's Day!
What a loving tribute to your mom. I know first hand that she is a wonderful, Christian woman.
ReplyDeleteAw. That made me teary and sentimental ... thanks for sharing. We are so blessed!
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