Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Bitter Sweet of Valentine's


Love is in the air and today is Valentines day, a day shared with your sweetie. A card, a box of candy, flowers, singing telegram, romantic dinner...
What ever and how ever you show your love does not matter.  For me, its the little things from my Valentine that are expressed all year that make me love him more. A hug when I'm  feeling down, taking my hand in his when we walk down the street, kissing me as if its the first time we've met. A smile across the room, taking care of me when I'm sick, sharing the laughter and the tears throughout the years. Being my best friend and keeping all my secrets.
Last year I shared Love Letters from My Valentine with you but this year I want to share my February Bitter Sweet memories...

February 12th and its your birthday. There is no card, there is no cake, there is no presents to unwrap today. The weather is cold and windy and the silence surrounds you as you rest. Your neighbors where you live now are your guests at a party I cannot attend this year but I will hold on to my invitation for the future. Happy Birthday my precious, Sweet mother.
 Zadie Thomas, Harrigill
Feb 12, 1929 ~Sept 06, 1998

February 13th and God called home another one of his Angels. My dear sweet Aunt Louvenia passed away today. One of mother's last of two sisters and my favorite Aunt. I have so many wonderful memories of her. I will cherish all our visits and calls. She loved God and her family. Shes celebrating now with past loved ones and I know she will hurt no more.
Louvenia Arlone Thomas, Patrick
 June 28, 1926 ~ Feb. 13, 2012

February 14th and hard to believe you have been married 40 years today. When I met you my Dear friends, so long ago it seems...we were barely teenagers. Our friendship bloomed throughout the years and we have shared many memory's. We wouldn't have missed your Anniversary for anything this year and I hope to be there when you celebrate your 50th. Margaret and Rocky York, cupid's arrow pierced your hearts with celebration ...then and now... 
The Bitter Sweet of Valentine's Day... How did it all get started? There are many stories and legends surrounding the story Saint Valentine. The day itself has some Roman and Catholic origins. It was a Catholic priest who was performing secret marriages for young lovers without the King's approval and when the King found out, he had Valentine put to death on February 14, 269 AD. The night before his death, he sent a note to his loved ones and signed it "From Your Valentine." Two hundred years later in 496 AD, Pope Galasius instituted the celebration of Valentines Day and so, the lavishing of gifts began.
My personal thought...Every day should be a Valentine moment shared with someone you love...Your husband, your children, your grandchildren, your parents, your friends.





7 comments:

  1. A bittersweet valentine sentiment from you today, Betty. I know you are loved and cared for deeply from your loving family. I hope you have a wonderful day with those that are still with you and that the path you travel will bring you joy today and always.

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  2. What a very emotional time for you. I am glad you had wonderful women in your life that loved you. I am sorry for both your losses.

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  3. Hope you had a nice day . So very sorry about your aunt !
    love

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  4. Betty, Aunt Louvenia may be gone, but she will never leave our thoughts & hearts. She was a wonderful woman. I know how you loved her & she is smiling down on you now knowing how much you cared. I don't have the beautiful memories you have of her, but I did love her very much. She was so much like Mom in many ways. I will miss her too. I love your blog. It was very well put. I wish I could put my thoughts into words the way you do. I don't know what to say that would help you feel better, but I do know that she is now in a much better place & that she loved you very much.
    2retirednewmans

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  5. Life does blend the bitter and the sweet, and your perceptive post did the same today. I am so sorry for your most recent loss of your aunt. I know your mother's memory will always be with you, though she no longer may be present in the ways you remembered during her life. These people we love leave us with gifts that have shaped us into who we really are.

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  6. It always seems like the bitter comes with the sweet. So sorry about your lovely Aunt.

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  7. She was a very Sweet Woman she was part of your Mom. It was bitter sweet for your Mom seeing her Beautiful sister knowing she had lost her life on earth, but now she is with her in Heaven! Love Renea and Roy

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