February Love

by Beth Alexander Walsh

February may bring a few snow storms but it is also the month of red paper hearts, roses, chocolates and a windfall for greeting card companies, all in an effort to express love! I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of all of these for many years. My kids have given homemade cards and gifts and my husband usually brings me pink roses (my favorite) and in return he would receive something from me to satisfy his sweet tooth. When my oldest daughter started learning to read, I instituted a poetic treasure hunt with each poem revealing a clue until their valentine gift bags were found. My kids looked forward to that every year until my youngest started middle school. Today, boxes of Valentine cards in the store conjure up wistful images of the three of them sitting at the kitchen table, filling out their cards to bring to school the next day.

These days I am content to find expressions of love in the mundane. A sleepy kiss on the forehead. New windshield wipers and solution in my car without me asking. An empty dishwasher and a laundry basket carried up two floors. I find it in parents cooing to their toddlers as they wheel their carriages through the super market and in my Meals on Wheels clients who show their gratitude to me every day when I bring their lunch. A rush of love emanates from my dog Albie any time I walk through the front door even when it has only been a short amount of time.

I also find contentment, peace and yes, even love, in the world around me. The dichotomy of a calm ocean or violent waves during a storm. The tapping of raindrops and the silent beauty of snowflakes falling to the earth while sitting on my deck. Watching the birds jockeying for a spot on the feeder while the wild turkeys feast on castoffs below, and the deer and rabbits frolicking in the twilight giving their best impressions of Bambi and Thumper. Everyday there is much to see and love.

This year I am celebrating with my Valentine on an extended weekend in Vermont. It is wonderful to be at a stage in our lives where children no longer dictate our plans. We will compromise in our activities; a trip to the fly fishing museum for him and the shopping outlets for me and splurging at some great restaurants at the end of our day. Together, we are taking a two-hour glass blowing workshop.

 Maybe our glass paperweights will be in the shape of hearts!