I *heart* Heart Day

I love holidays, all of them. Even when I didn't have a Valentine to call my own, I loved February 14. Reds and pinks. Conversation hearts and chocolate. Tiny Valentines on your desk and big ones in the mail. I luv Valentine's Day.

I have the same memories that most of you have: decorating the bag or box to place on your desk at school, your own "mail box" for Valentines. Writing each of your classmates' names on carefully chosen Valentines. Placing them in their boxes anxious with anticipation. Opening up each of yours wondering if there was a hidden message in "You're Super" or "Won't You Be My Pal".

When I was a little girl I loved several things about Valentine's Day: First of all each morning we'd eat breakfast together before school. My mother set the table the night before, so when we came down in the moring in our plate we'd find an envelope and a gift. It was something small generally candy or maybe stationery. Whatever it may be, I think that's the kindest thing she ever did for us. It was our little celebration.

I also loved getting Valentines from my grandmothers, one of which lived in Louisville and recently passed. I couldn't wait to see the big envelope in the box with my name on it. I'd open it up and sometimes glitter would spill from the card, having shaken loose in the trip there. Sometimes there'd be money inside. Other times just a little note. It wasn't just good mail . . . it was incredible mail. . . all the way from Louisville. I know that's only a few hours away, but in my mind it might as well have come from India.

A while back my parents cleared out their attic and with it lots and lots of my stuff. Most of it was junk and I couldn't even recall its significance. However, I did uncover the Valentine included here. My grandmother had sent it to me all the way from Louisville. At the time I had a horrible haircut, making me look like a little boy and ironically my cat had a litter of kittens, so not only was the card special because of its sender, but she obviously found "just the right card" for the occasion. It was a treasure to find.