Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
VALENTINE’S DAY BRINGS expectations of love expressed in some perhaps grand way. It’s a great day for florists and chocolate shops and restaurants. And that’s alright. Both flowers and candy are visual reminders of love. Dining out allows time to connect and celebrate. I have a half-dozen red roses on my dining room table. And I appreciate them.
But even more important are the everyday moments of love. You know, those little things you take for granted in your life. Or the surprises that cause your heart to surge joy.
What does that look like for you?
For me, love has shown itself recently in these ways:
- a handcrafted valentine from friends
- the giggle of my granddaughter
- a bag of macadamia nuts, a gift from my eldest and her husband who recently vacationed in Hawaii, a place I will never visit.
- my husband washing the dinner dishes every Sunday so I can phone my mom at 6:30 p.m.
- a friend buying valentine books for my 10-month-old granddaughter whom she’s never met.
- an unexpected call from my second daughter
Downtown Fargo, North Dakota, the real Fargo, not as depicted in the movie or TV series. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
- my husband binge-watching Fargo (the TV show) with me on DVD
- skyping with my son in Boston
- seeing my great nephew Landon with his face pressed to the patio door watching and waiting for my husband (Papa Two) and me to arrive
- texts from a friend asking, “How are you?”
Today, please express your care and appreciation for your friends, your family, and, yes, even for those outside your closest circle. Try to make that a practice every day.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers! I appreciate you.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend! Enjoy your day –you definitely have had some wonderful expressions of love recently, haven’t you?
Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day to you also!
I have one more act of love to add: This morning, as Randy was leaving for work, he stopped the car in the driveway to text this message: “Look at the pretty sky.” He knows how much I appreciate beautiful sunrises and sunsets (which I can’t see living in the valley).
Forrest and I are continually appreciative of each other and what we bring to our relationship. There are so many things to be thankful for… with every living thing. I know it sounds silly but I talk to nature – animals, bird, plants, etc., thanking each for bringing me joy or an opportunity for photographs or whatever gift that comes with the experience. I agree with you… it’s a lovely thing to send a simple text asking about someone. I have found that it often arrives just when I needed it most!
Your talking with nature is not silly. That brings you peace and joy.
You have an incredibly loving and compassionate heart.
Happy Valentine’s day to you Audrey. I appreciate your encouragements to me.
Thank you, Valerie, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you also! And you are welcome.
Happy Valentine’s Day my friend, Love is such a wonderful thing, isn’t it!
Thank you. And, yes, love is a wonderful thing.
This really warms my heart. I always expect grand gestures of love when it comes to Valentines day day but I really like your perspective 🙂
If we expect grand gestures, then I think we’re always disappointed. My Valentine’s Day was wonderful from the texted pic of my sweet granddaughter to the unexpected bottle of wine my husband picked up on his way home from work.
Hope you day was special
It was a nice day. Yours too?
Beautiful roses. Happy Valentines Day!
Those roses were from another time. But, yes, beautiful. A belated Happy Valentine’s Day to you also!