The Things You Do For Love

Little 2008 is challenging my perceptions. I used to loathe Halloween, because I hate asking for things.  When 2008 went trick-or-treating for the first time, I ditched my Halloween baggage to revel in her joy.  She got to dress up?  And people gave her candy?  And she rode in the wagon?  AWESOME.

Today, she turned Valentine's Day around for me.  Opening her valentines--and treats!  More than at Halloween--she was radiant.  "Dominic made this for me!"  "Elise wrote her name!"  "Hope sent treats!"  

She wore hearts, and our house is covered in pink and purple and red.  We ate special pancakes and made up silly songs about love and family and Valentine's.  She loves it all.  Valentine's Day really can be about fun love.

I know my kids feel loved, and not just because we tell them every day.  We are nurturing their childhoods, and I am proud of that.  But today, 2008 feels loved by her friends.  She knows other kids think of her (maybe) as often as she thinks of them.  She treasures those valentines, Disney characters and all.  

And, on the way home from school, there were no tears when she let go of her mylar balloon.  "Maybe it will land in someone's yard far away.  Someone who doesn't have a valentine.  And then he will be happy."  

Yes, sweetheart, he will.  And a very Happy Valentine's Day to you, my sweet 2008.