It really is important...today, tomorrow, always

Valentine's Day...a sentimental, romantic day for so many, and for others, not so much.  An "I could care less" or, "it's not important" attitude, deters some from purchasing a card, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates. 

I want to share with you a different thought.  I find it so joyful to pull out a box of mementos from days gone by.  Saved cards, a pretty, but empty box of chocolates, a dried flower saved from a bouquet~maybe the ribbon.  In each one lies a memory.  Some distant, others of a different place and time.  Not all are from my spouse.  Some are from my grandmother (who never missed a birthday), my kids with their chubby fisted signatures, my mom or sister.  They all hold a special meaning and memory for me. 

I can only imagine, as time goes by, a spouse or loved one is gone, the chubby fist is now long and lean, that these things will only hold more value.  When in the quiet hour of the day, a sleepless night of missing someone, comes along.  I'll find myself, with my box in my lap, reading each one, holding it to my chest, shedding a tear or two and remembering a special time, a special love, a special place. 

It is then, that I'll discover just how much love there was, how a simple gift...even just a card~picked out just for me has increased in value over time, and...and, it really was important!

Valentines Day memories...

As I have been spending some time looking through vintage Valentines that I've collected for resale and collage projects, I'm reminded of the Valentine Days of my and my children's childhood.

Remember the boxes we all had to make in school.  We spent time decorating ours to our hearts content.  Just waiting for the day when we exchanged cards with our classmates.  I still look at a box in the store and remember "when". 

If you were like me, you'd go through each card, picking out the right one for each classmate.  Maybe a super special 'person' would get a super special Valentine...but, you didn't want to  be too obvious, that you thought this super special 'person' was super special to you. 

We were never allowed to leave anyone out.  But, me being me, I wouldn't have done that anyway.  And, you sure didn't want to be one 'left out' either.  Even our teacher got a Valentine from each one of us. 

As I look through the vintage cards, I'm enthralled with the beauty of each one.  Some are cute...but, the ones that I favor are the romantic ones with sweet sentiments or simply ask:  "Will you be mine?".  Or, "Happy Valentines Day". 

What are your favorite memories of Valentine's Day?  Mine are the ones from childhood...a young and innocent time.  And especially from my children's youth.  Watching them decorate their box, bring it home after the party and go through each card.  And, of course, now...as an adult, when you know that Valentine's Day is more than a card with a sweet sentiment.  It's what your Valentine does all year long, that makes life Valentine's Day year 'round.