I got Dora!

Happy Valentine's Day readers. A few days ago I took inventory of my feelings of this day and my reaction was "Huh - no dread!" I remember a time in the not too distant past when it was just a reminder of the lack of love in my life.

Now I look forward to Kindergarten parties, and a bag full of cheap valentines and candies. Remember when we were 5 and couldn't wait to see how much candy we got in our homemade heart doily bags? Looking back on my life, I wish I could have kept that childlike wonder for the day.

This morning Jessica and I set out our Valentines for breakfast. She apologized for not having anything for me. I don't think she was considering all the homemade cut out hearts with 'Mom, I love you' written on them that she's been handing me all week. . .She just noticed the injustice of the unbalanced chocolate and candy being handed out. I didn't worry. I figured Jhonny would probably have his own way of taking care of my valentine. Then we went to get Lily and Jhonny up for breakfast before school.

Before I could get back to the kitchen with a sleepy husband I heard. . ."Dora! I got Dora!" This from Lily who was pleasantly surprised by the pile of "yummies" on her plate next to her cereal. "That," I thought, "is the true meaning of Valentine's Day." To be happily and unexpectedly surprised by the simple thoughtfulness of another.

So I'm still waiting for my valentine. . .Jhonny said to me when he came up empty handed, "Valentine's Day lasts all day." His excuse? He said he didn't get past the long lines at the store last night and gave up to try later. This is our first Valentine's Day in a one store town. Apparently you can't buy flowers in advance.

Not to worry, Lily and Jessica both willingly shared their candy with me this morning so I wouldn't feel left out. Oh the love of a child. That's the best kind of love. . .a mother's true paycheck.