I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day.
- Too commercial
- Too often single
- Too little of a sweet tooth
There was one Valentine’s Day that spoke of love as it was meant to be.
Whispered Promises
Valentine’s Day was on a Wednesday in 2007. The days leading up to it were very difficult for my family.
My dad was dying. My sisters and brothers and I had gathered to say our good-byes. We had a baby monitor next to my dad’s hospital bed to keep a constant connection.
On that Wednesday morning, my siblings and I were in the family room when we heard my mom’s voice through the baby monitor.
She was reading my dad his Valentine’s Day card she had purchased for him as his wife of 61 years. She read of her love for him, my dad, and asked him if he could smell the red carnations he loved so much.
I closed my eyes and prayed, “Please, dear God, do not take my dad on Valentine’s Day.”
My mom is one who never misses a birthday, a holiday or a special occasion. I prayed she would not mark this Valentine’s Day with the passing of the love of her life.
And so he stayed throughout the night. In his one last gift to my mom, my dad passed on Thursday, February 15, 2007 – one day after Valentine’s Day.
I have never thought of Valentine’s Day in quite the same way.
This daughter misses her dad, but thanks him for his gift of life, and a mom who knew the love of her life.
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My dear cousin thanks for making me cry. I have had many past days filled with thoughts of a man I loved Uncle Doug. Love you more
Love YOU more, Cindy. And the other special part of Valentine’s Day is what it meant to your mom, my beloved Aunt Mitzi. ♥
Wonderful post, Cathy. I will have a similar (who cares?) comment about Valentine’s Day (as in St. Valentine’s Day)
Thank you, Roy. Maybe you’ll look at it a little differently now, too. I appreciate your support.
Beautiful, heartfelt tribute, Cathy. That made me tear up —that’s how love is supposed to feel. Right there.
Hugs, my friend.
Thank you, Lori, for the hugs and the sentiment. Hugs right back. 🙂
Ah, Cathy – I love the love you share with all of us and your family stories are wonderful. Give your mom a hug for me please.
Thank you, Anne. I love sharing them with my writer and friend family. 🙂