Instructions from Gage's teacher, paraphrased - Go home, build your own Valentine Box. There will be a prize for the best one. This is where Real Life shows up very quickly. There is a slideshow of photos I could show you. The small scale model of the house from Up, complete with helium balloons. Or the not so scale doll house covered in Conversation Hearts. If these kids build these boxes themselves, they belong at MIT. Gage LOVED his pirate ship until he walked into class and saw Those Who Wanted To Win At Any Cost. Welcome to Real Life. Someone will always have more than you. Always. Either by ill or air gotten gains and there will always be those who have less. As I was leaving the classroom, I saw one girl whose bag was a simple white lunch bag with her name, H***** ROCKS. I imagine she had some acute Moments that day. The epilogue to this Story - Everyone got a big paper award taped to their box with Someone unique, just about them. Don't know if the teacher is an genius or just got lucky.
It is a retailer's lifeline. With sluggish Christmas sales, they know there is potential goldmine in less than 6 weeks with assorted Valentine sales. From sweets, to flowers and just about anything anyone can purchase to show their undying Love. Add to that all the school parties with Valentine's and snacks and you have yourself a heap of ways to sweeten the Money Pot. When asked what I might expect for the Big Day, the answer was - Anything You Want. He means it, not one to ponder his love for me - I could ask for most anything and get it. He is very good to me.
I don't want anything. I have someone to hug tomorrow morning and there is no price you can put on that. Later in the morning, there will be three more hugs and kisses and that is more than enough for me.
I hope you all feel the Love today. Maybe it won't look exactly like the Hallmark model, make it your own. Maybe a pet or a friend. Be creative. If you lost your Valentine this year, embrace their memory and be thankful for the Love you did have.
No matter how you spend your day, remember it is only 24 hours long and then we all go back to Normal Life. Grab a little chocolate for yourself and find the Love, with the Life you have...
