Who Needs Valentine's Day?

The “Ninja”, who is not married, has informed me that there are three stages to relationships.  In stage one, you are madly in love and can’t get enough of each other.  In stage 2, you have kids and other things going on in your lives, so you have to plan time (use your imagination) together.  In stage 3 you have been together a long time and you wave an individual finger in sign language as you pass each other in the hallway.

This past weekend was Valentine’s Day.  In 32 years, I really cannot remember us going out to celebrate, even early on in our relationship.  However, there were a lot more romantic gifts and flowers back then.  Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is a contrived holiday.  I am from Chicago.  We associate Valentine’s Day with Bugsy Marone, the mob and a massacre.  Expensive cards are available and restaurants and florists jack up their prices. 

Do we really need a holiday to say I love you?  Shouldn’t we make sure that happens every day in the little things we do.  I am a firm believer that when I do your laundry I am doing something nice for you and showing my love.  If it is your job to mow the lawn, (not that we can find a blade of grass right now – just daydreaming) and I mow the lawn for you, it is  a small way to say I love you.

I would rather get a random romantic card, a surprise dinner out or even occasional flowers for no particular reason – just because.  We all need to appreciate those things when they happen, but never, never, overlook the everyday, mundane things people do for us that says “I Care”.

I love my husband, children and grandchildren very much.  I try to say it often, daily or more.  I hope you all had a beautiful weekend.  Have a great Monday!!!