Twenty years ago today, I was a newly single mom, sitting by myself and feeling very sad at my first Valentine’s Day alone in many years. The neighbor had taken Katie for a bit and I was glad of a little time to cry without having to explain.

About an hour after Katie left there was a knock on the door. I dried my tears, blew my nose, pasted on a smile and went to answer it. I will never forget that moment. My beautiful daughter standing there beaming, holding out a bouquet of flowers, “Happy Valtines Day Mommy!” The tears began to flow again, but this time the smile was real.

Valentines come in all shapes and sizes. Some have fur. Some aren’t here anymore. And some are here, but not really. Some are things, or even ideas or thoughts. Valentines are anyone or anything that we care about, anyone or anything that we love.

So Happy Valentine’s Day to all my Valentines – Katie, Stu, Kimba, Dad, Mom, my artwork, my writing, my imagination, my dreams, my curiosity, my life, Planet Earth and all of you!