Valentine's Day!

Is it really necessary to create a day to show how much you love someone? Shouldn't this be something we do everyday to people who are valued? I was thinking about this today as I worked at our little cooperative store and a few people mentioned they were buying chocolate for their sweeties. One person made a point of explaining that he was buying a different kind of chocolate to make their evening ritual a bit special. Evidently they enjoy a certain type of chocolate each evening but tonight it would be something different. I'm sure his wife knows she's special to him but this was his little way of honoring Valentine's Day.

My plan had been to make a special dinner for Bruce. Something he truly enjoys. As I planned and bought the ingredients I realized this is something I do almost daily. I love to cook and I love to make food that others enjoy. When I told Bruce the menu he said I shouldn't tell the boys since they would want to come home. He knew it was a favorite meal for the family. I explained that I would repeat it when they were home for spring break! It doesn't mean that tonight isn't special but it kept reminding me that perhaps I don't need a calendar to tell me to share my feelings since I do it pretty regularly (often through food!).

This brings me to my next revelation. . . Perhaps food is too big a focus in our life. Most holidays have a special meal related to the day. Birthdays are always times the honored person gets to pick his/her favorite meal. Our summer reunions with my side of the family always have the same main food (and we expect it). Bruce's side hosts a family gathering each spring and it is always the same menu. Food is a big part of our family's way of showing love. Maybe that's not true for others but it is certainly true in my family and my husband's family.

One thing we don't do regularly is say, "I love you." I hear other people end every phone call with, "I love you," but we don't. I'm sure my children and my husband know I love them, so perhaps it's not necessary. No one has every complained. I believe my actions demonstrate my love when I talk to my boys or visit with them. Is it necessary to say, "I love you" regularly for someone to know it is true? I don't think so and I doubt at this late stage I will change. I guarantee that I love all my boys and believe they are secure in that knowledge. For now I'll continue to cook and feed my family as one of the ways I show my love.

P.S. Update on my writing challenge -- Yesterday I wrote a review for a reading organization newsletter. I didn't post it here since it will be published in the newsletter but I considered it meeting my challenge for Saturday. Friday was a bust! I was exhausted from my travel and just relaxed after dinner.