valentine’s day

I recently returned from a trip to Colorado, to see my son, Derek, grandsons, David and Jackson, and to meet the new woman, Lesley, in my son’s life. The trip was such a blessing; to see all my guys so healthy and happy and to meet this incredible woman…I couldn’t have asked for anything more. It was easy to see why my son loves her.

I happened to plan my trip so that I that I would spend Valentine’s Day in Colorado. I didn’t do this on purpose, but, being so excited to see my guys, I failed to notice that the dates I would be gone included this most special day.

Now, my husband, Jim and I, don’t really do much for Valentine’s Day. One or the other of us might buy a card, but flowers and candy are no-nos. You see, we are both paying attention to our nutrition (aka dieting) and as for flowers, I’m not a “long stemmed rose” girl. I go for good old daffodils. And seeing how we dozens of varieties of daffodils in our yard, I don’t see the need to waste money buying them.

But I do like to spoil Jim a bit, so usually I plan a nice dinner and bake a cherry pie (Jim’s favorite) for dessert. Once I realized I would be out of town for the 14^th, I knew I had to move up our special meal and dessert.

Just a note here…My dad and stepmom were married on Valentine’s Day and although it has past and I have already said it, let me say again, “Happy Anniversary, Daddy and Diann! I love you both!”

That’s one of the perks of having your own blog…any tangent that comes your way is not to be discouraged, but embraced and exploited to the fullest!

Now, back to my preparations. As usual, I had run myself to the last minute getting several things done. I felt like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland… “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say hello, goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”

Jim is always so good about looking beyond my lack of organization. He “held the wolves at bay” for me as I finished two quilts and a shawl. It was now time to pack, make sure I had lunch options for Jim while I was gone and make sure our cat, Bucky, had everything he needed…well, the humans caring for him in my absence did.

I hadn’t thought about supper. I managed to remember to pull a gallon of cherries from the freezer. We have been blessed the past few years with getting to pick our own at my father-in-law’s cousin’s house. It made the pie that much more special.

So I baked the pie to perfection and Jim’s mom, Helen, bless her heart, had fixed supper. I found a cute card and left it for with Helen to give Jim on the 14^th. I was feeling pretty good with my efforts.

And so I made my way, through sleet and snow, to the airport and flew halfway across the country to beautiful Cripple Creek, Colorado. (Shout out to the awesome Sheriff’s Department in Teller County…thanks for all you do!) I was having a wonderful time until Jim texted me a few nights before Valentine’s Day.

He was up late, which he doesn’t do during the work week. In fact, most weekends we’re in bed by 8:30pm as well. He was watching Love Actually and missing me. How sweet is that!!!

He texted, “It pisses me off when the wife opens the Christmas present and cries. I just can’t imagine ever breaking your heart like that.”

Now, if you have seen the movie, this needs no explanation. If you haven’t, well, you aren’t getting an explanation either. Suffice it to say that it’s one of my favorite Christmas movies and you need to see it.

Valentine’s morning, he texted me early. Helen had left the card on the table and when he got up to get coffee, he found it. He also had a surprise for me. I thought it was the small chalkboard he had been making me for the kitchen. But this is what I found instead…

The quote is from a song by Norah Jones, Turn Me On, that is in the movie, Love Actually. I love Norah Jones and this song is awesome. Jim is such a sweetie. I learned long ago that he doesn’t play by the book. What I mean is, he doesn’t just buy a card or send flowers because it’s what society expects. (By the way, I used to send him flowers because I think love is a two way street). But what he does always takes thought…and love. He surprises me still, after twenty six years. He can make me blush, he can take my breath away.

So, my dear, my love, my best friend, I say thank you for always making me feel special and loved.

Here’s to you…and us!