Thursday, February 25, 2010

Valentine's Day 2010

I had no idea what I would do. I had no idea how I would react. But I knew it was coming. 

My mother called on Saturday, February 13 and told me he was gone. 

I was quiet. 

I was calm. 

I was numb.

I was alone with the ballerinas. 

BSD was coming home the next day. Valentine's Day was the next day. They were so excited about the next day. 

I couldn't tell them. I didn't tell them. I waited. 

I was determined not to ruin Valentine's Day. We have a family tradition on Valentines' Day. And the ballerinas look forward to it almost as much as Christmas morning. 

On Valentine's Day, we cover the table in newspaper. 

Cook up a big batch of crab legs.

 

And then we feast.


There are gifts. Nothing extravagant. BSD was gone for a month and unsure of his exact return date so he sent roses. A big beautiful bouquet of roses. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of them. :( 

The ballerinas each got a little candy necklace making kit and a hula hoop.
 
And this year, after realizing how important it is to cherish those you love while you can, I stayed up late on Saturday night creating little "Love Tins." I spray painted, cut out hearts, turned them into stickers, and then stuffed the cans with 20 things that I love about each of my Valentines.
 

There were smiles.

" Nuh Uhs!"
 

 A few "Most Defs."


And even some near tears. 
 


It was a Valentine's Day I'll never forget.

  
"Papa" 
Thanksgiving 2008

4 comments:

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

I am so sorry, Kim. I will keep you and your family close to my thoughts.
xo,
kimberly

Anissa said...

That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your lovely tradition.

So very sorry for your loss.

Erin said...

My sincerest condolences to you and your family Kim. How are the ballerinas handling it now that you have told them?

I love your Valentine traditions. The love tins are so sweet and creative. I will have to file that away for future use. I wish I could get my kids to eat crab legs! They would never in a million years.

Anonymous said...

It sounds and looks like a wonderful Valentines Day. You are an incredibly strong woman, great mother, and wonderful wife. I bet your dad had a lot to do with that.