Thursday, February 14, 2008

St. Valentine

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I can remember many Valentine Days when I felt inadequate, unpopular, and unloved because I did not receive a Valentine. No card, no flowers, no secret whispers or exclusive midnight toasts.
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Those were the days when I measured myself against a backdrop of 'couples-are-better and singles-are pathetic'. It's true that research bears out that individuals are generally happier when they are in a committed relationship (note: not just traditional marriage, however--loving siblings and best friends together, for example, also raise the happiness quotient.)
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On this Valentine's Day I have received two valentines that challenge the lovey-dovey commercialism of the Day and that touch my tender heart in the deepest and finest of ways.
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First:


You might wonder what I have done to deserve this sweet card. I wonder too, because this card is from the guardian angel home care companion who has taken care of my Mother all these weeks and months when jb and I could hardly keep things from crumbling around us. This woman--I'll call her "C"-- has been willing to juggle her schedule, help us out in any way we've needed, be so consistently kind and reliable I've come to think of her as family. Why she is thanking me says more about her than it does about me. But jb and I accept her valentine with a grateful heart.
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And a white envelope arrived in my mailbox today with this handmade knitted heart and a sweet 'Happy Valentine" card inside.
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It was not until I turned the card over that my eyes just about filled when I read the following:
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"I sent you the
one that was a
little misshapen
because I knew
that you would
still love
an ill-formed
heart"
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Oh N. I love you too, and I'm so glad we're friends.
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So, whether you're single or coupled or anything in between,
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY from my heart to yours.

22 comments:

  1. I received a card also KJ, it read:

    Happy unimaginative, consumerist-orientated and entirely arbitrary, manipulative and shallow interpretation of romance day.

    :O

    Glad you had a good one ;)

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  2. oh jeez, anon!! that is a riot!

    the hell with the comsumerism--i say make it your own.

    oh, and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY HONEYGIRL!

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  3. kj, I think it's easier to say it doesn't matter if you're part of a couple, if you're part of a couple! Happy Valentine's Day to both of you!

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  4. Valentines Day is for grade school children to make cute hearts for their Moms and Dads. I would not know what to do with a Valentines card but if someone gave me one then I'd welcome it. before I became a part of a couple, I never felt left out not receiving a Valentines card. Just give me the darn chocolates and forget the dinner. I usually worked on Valentines Day. Your N is a sweetheart both in deeds and in appearance. Happy Valentines day KJ.

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  5. *hugs* happy valentines to you and JB both.

    (and ces, you are too sweet!)

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  6. Happy Valentine's Day, KJ and JB! You've helped me look at my heart and say, "Wow ... look at that ... that's pretty awesome." :)

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  7. Oh I almost forgot. Happy Birthday KJ.

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  8. :) Aw, man...that knitted heart & those words!!!! Thoughtful, beautiful & truly heartfelt....a mighty reflection of the giver & recipient!!! Happy, happy Valentines!

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  9. rm, i know...being part of a couple is alot, but it's not everything.

    ces, i hope you got a valentine or two. yes, my friend n is a special person..

    nichole, see comment to ces! :)

    melissa, sounds like you had a fine day

    ces, what in the ##@$$%&&# is with the birthday wishes??

    skinny, how nice see you here. you always "get" the parts of my posts that are the most important to me.

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  10. I love the misshapen knitted heart. :)

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  11. liz, me too. and, CONGRATULATIONS!!

    ces, WHAAATTT???

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  12. kj, I couldn't agree more. It's certainly not everything! I think we agree more disagree, on this. This Valentine's Day it just seems to be hitting me harder than the last 3 I've spent single.

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  13. This guy thinks you are more than adequate, he visits your blog whenever he can find the time and he thinks he loves you.
    Don't ever believe anything else.
    Happy Valentine, KJ!

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  14. rm, you know when you stop wanting it, it will find you, right? :)

    pieterbie, blush :)

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  15. I guess it is never too late to wish you a happy Valenine... everyday should be Valentine's Day, isn't it?

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  16. sidney, yes, wouldn't it be great to think lovingly more often and express that to the special people in our lives (as well as to a few non-special people)?

    it's always an honor when you visit here...

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  17. Happy [belated] Valentines Day KJ!

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  18. Oh, how beautiful, it sounds like you really were visited by SAINT Valentines.....
    Happy belated Love Day, sweetie!

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  19. Just a FYI...this post lingered (love always does, doesn't it?)in my head & I had to share your 'ill-formed heart' valentine with a co-worker of mine. Just more evidence in the world that love grows!

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  20. aaahhhhhh that is so nice! i love val-entines day!

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