When I was a child, my mother treated Valentine’s Day as a family holiday. I have a vivid memory of a family Valentine’s supper when we dined by candlelight. I was in first grade and still remember how lovely and special that supper felt. My mother’s tradition was a good one and I embraced it in adulthood, especially when I became a single mama. When I was on my own, my mother, not always one to express her emotions, made sure to send me a card so family Valentine celebrations with JT always felt special and less laden with hurt. I always appreciated it.
These days I have a sweet valentine to love but I’m always aware that days like Valentine’s Day feel loaded for people whose heart is finding its way toward peace. I spend my days with middle schoolers, an age when kids are both notoriously unkind and oversensitive, and so now more than ever I am aware that each of us has a private journey toward that sweet spot of acceptance of ourselves and others.
So that is my Valentine’s wish for us all. Be kind toward yourself. Wish on a star for unexpected joy to turn up more often in this life. Find a little bit of grace somewhere each day. For all of its trials, there is happiness in this world. May it find you today.
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