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A Story for the Day of Hearts



I come by my love of Valentine's Day from my mother. This was always one of her favorite days. There were Valentine cupcakes and many hours spent choosing just the right box of Valentines to send to my class at school. My mother gave me a gift every year, and I am sure she enjoyed picking out a scarf or earrings that she thought I would like. It's not surprising that I think a lot about my mother on Valentine's Day.

Despite my love of the holiday I have few memories of Valentine's celebrations as an adult. There is only one that stands out. I know exactly where I was on February 14, 1986. My mother had just had open heart surgery and I spent a long week in the Intensive Care Waiting Room at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Despite the surgeon's great skill the surgery had not gone well and it was a difficult week. And yet, as difficult as the week was, as well as the weeks that followed, the thought of that Valentine's Day has so many positive memories. The care my mother received was extraordinary. I especially remember Jackie, who was "her" nurse in ICU. My mother and I were both surrounded in love by friends and family.

It certainly wasn't the way I would choose to spend Valentine's Day. But that snowy day in February, twenty-five years ago was a day of love, not flowery or sentimental, but caring and kind and deep. Through the years I have been so blessed by moments of love. On this Valentine's Day I say thank you for many acts of love and kindness across the decades and the miles. Happy Valentine's Day!  

14 comments

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

What precious memories during a difficult time. Caring, kind and deep love ~ the best that Valentine's Day has to offer.

Deb said...

If you are like me, many of your best memories have your mother in them. It's nice that Valentine's Day is so special to you for that reason. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5

DaCraftyLady said...

wonderful memories, I love family memories..some of my finest are with my mom... thanks for sharing yours.. Debb

Mimi said...

WHAT A GREAT STORY!!!
Our Mothers impact our lives more then we ever know, but when we are all grown up it all comes back to us, the sweet quiet memories we carry for a lifetime.
What a GREAT day for you and her.
Happy Valentine's day!!
hugs,
jamie

Sheilagh said...

What a lovely story. Your mum sounds like a special lady. Thank you for yet again sparking memories for me.


Hugs

Sheilagh

xxx

Sharon said...

As much as I love Valentine's Day, I have a similar memory. Two years ago, my mother had knee replacement surgery on Valentine's Day. She was 80 at the time and although it went well, the day and following month were quite difficult as she rehabbed. She is now back on her beloved golf course, but no Valentine's Day will ever pass that we don't consider an "anniversary" of that surgery.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Your Valentines Days will always be special ones when you have memories like that come to mind. I hope your Tuesday is a terrific one.

Chatty Crone said...

What a wonderful story - of course you like Valentine's day and it reminds you of the love for your mother and how lucky you were to have her. sandie

Barb Hodges said...

Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to getting to know you. Chatty is a wonderful person. We just met a month or so ago. Thank you for sharing your sweet memories. Stay encouraged.

Lynda said...

What a beautiful story to share on this holiday. Love that lasts over the years is the best love. My mom was wonderful to make holidays special, too.

Maggid said...

Happy Valentine Week - and many, many weeks of LOVE to follow.
-g-

Sybil said...

That was a lovely Valantine thought, what could be better than remembering our Mothers love..
Love comes in many guises..
and I send my love as a friend,
Sybil xx

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your Mom sounds like a wonderful woman! Your valentine memoreis of her spell L-O-V-E!

Tanna said...

That is real love. I enjoyed the photo, too! Happy belated Valentine's Day.