MY WISH FOR VALENTINE
The day before Valentine is usually one of our busiest days of the year and one with a higher than normal proportion of last minute male shoppers. Buying a Valentine gift can be tricky. How early in a relationship do you start celebrating it? How much do you spend compared to your spouse? What do you get someone who already has it all? Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Damned if you do forget the date at which all restaurants are full and can get away with serving average food and damned if you don't forget but get it wrong. Amidst what has become largely a commercial celebration to break the post-Christmas halt in spending, is there still place for love on Valentine's day? Love is not about buying trinkets. It is not infatuation driven by hormones. Nor is it a horse trading, a tit for tat exchange of emotions and goods. It is the blending of two souls in complete acceptance and understanding. Those lucky enough to experience that type of love are forever changed. I was very lucky but cancer robbed us too fast. My sweet Valentine passed away 6 years ago. So on February 14th, after weeks of making lovely chocolate hearts for others to celebrate with, I never wish for a sparkling present or a meal in a starred restaurant for myself. I have only one wish: time -even one minute- to hug him once more. This week, try to remember the sweetness of being able to grow old with the person you love -even if he/she can mightily irritate you at times. Not all of us have this chance. And make a vow to celebrate the love you have every day, not just once a year. From a mighty present to a simple favour, an expression of love is only measured with the heart. Have a lovely week Miss Anne x