Valentine's Day is All About LOVE

Valentine's Day has come and gone and this year my 8 year old reminded me that this holiday is all about love. Usually Valentine's Day is filled with cholocate, candy, cards, money and different special gifts to show (once again) just how special my 8 children are to me.


Like many, I have had to cut back on spending this year. Therefore, I made the difficult decision as to NOT spend money this Valentine's Day on gifts or candy. My father and his wife had sent each child, and myself, a card and since I knew they usually included money, that it would make up for mom's lack of holiday spoilings. We all gathered around on the couch as we each held our cards from Grandpa & Grandma anxiously waiting to open them. I went first. Much to my surprise, there was NO money included in my card. Not that I was expecting it or needed it, okay I was expecting it since every year since I can remember they have sent as least $20. Needless to say, I was stunned that there was no money. Now don't get me wrong, I am not all about money, I was just surprised thats all.


I started feeling like a really bad mother since I had not bought one gift for my children this Valentine's Day. Knowing I did not receive money fin my card, I was quite sure each of my children would be dissapointed as they opened theirs and read the sweet sentiment without money falling out. Much to my surprise, as they each tore into their card, $5.00 dropped out. And each card had such a lovely Valentine wish for each child.


Needless to say, they were thrilled. As happy as I was for them, I believe my face still expressed my disbelief that money did not fall out of my card. My eight year old daughter looked at me and said, "It's okay mom that you didn't get any money. Valentine's Day is really about LOVE anyway." What an amazing child.


We all called Grandma and Grandpa and the children thanked them for the cards and money and I thanked them for LOVING me and my family.