I am not a Valentine’s Day kind of person.  It’s a hard day. Six weeks after Christmas and four weeks from my wedding anniversary. Yeah, it is just a day in February. I am not that person who needs the big demonstrations of love.  What is important to me is the little things. The everyday things matter the most.  The following are my Valentines.

- A friend has been going through a tough time and got a gang of women to go out last night for a late, last minute dinner. I told my husband about my plans and asked him to be home by a certain time.  He called on his way home, he had an emergency at work, and left later than he wanted. He was so apologetic.  I replied, hey, shit happens.  I got to my dinner 15 minutes late but he rushed his long commute, came in and put the kids to bed, so I could get out.  That is a Valentine.

- I got home from the dinner late last night, after 11pm.  I forgot to make allergen free brownies for Aaron’s first grade party.  I got up this morning at 6am so that my baby had a treat at school, even though I have to work tonight.  Heck I will go back to bed soon, since the kids have a half day.

- Ryan got up this morning and decided he was grateful.  He thanked me about 500 times for everything I do for him.  He ate, took a quick shower, and was ready for school before anyone else this morning.  I did not have to remind him about anything. He was focused and calm. He gave me so many award winning hugs.  Amazing.

- My husband HATES the morning.  His best friend from childhood passed away about thirteen years ago.  His friend used to say to me if you need to get your husband up in the morning give him coffee.  The friend went on to say, if you give him coffee he will do whatever you want him to do.  Of course, I brought my husband coffee in bed this morning as I thought of his friend who was closer than a brother to him.  I wish he had met our kids and I really miss his advice.

- I hate unloading the dishwasher. I came home from dropping the kids off at school and my husband secretly did the chore already knowing how much I hate that job, even though he was rushing off to work.

I hope everyone experiences small demonstrations of love that mean something to them.  Forget the cards. Demonstrate your love for someone by doing the little things. Believe me, it means more.