Content by myself on Valentine's Day

I just wanted to share how wonderful Valentine's Day can be when your DH (Darling Husband) isn't around. I'm usually the type that's like PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!, and I'm a stickler for forcing a wonderful (albeit a bit contrived) Valentine's Day celebration ... but this year, we're still reeling.

My DH's Valentine's Day card to me said "this has been a hard year for us, without much to celebrate" ... and ... "we need to hold onto each other even tighter" ... and it's so true. In the past it was so hard for me to go through holidays: Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, etc ... without thinking about what I DON'T have. But with this Valentine's Day my disposition is a little better and a little brighter. As you know, I've really been trying to 'get back to me' before we jump on this baby bandwagon again and the little efforts I've made so far - are already actually helping. I was able to participate in clinging to my husband through this struggle a bit, rather than clawing at my need to be pregnant.

My DH had to be in school on Valentine's evening, so I was home alone. (In months and years past I would have said I was "left" home. But this year ... I "got to be" home alone.) And it was wonderful! I spent the day celebrating the beautiful weather and an overall celebration of love - not just the romantic kind. I really appreciated all the friends and people that are in my everyday life (hey, maybe I was just grateful I wasn't sick anymore!) ... but it did help that DH sent roses to my office - I always enjoy flowers. So that night on my way home I picked up some yummy Thai take out, made a plate of yummy Thai goodness for myself and wrapped up a plate all cute in the fridge for the hubby for later. I enjoyed dinner not by myself but with my good friend Oprah Winfrey and her Valentine's Day special. I had a 1 hour phone date & prayer time with a good girlfriend of mine and we just ooozed about all the great things God is doing our lives, (and I was being honest!) and I finished the evening off with a warm bath coupled with a good book. When DH finally came home (near 9pm!) he was able to heat up his dinner and sit beside the tub eating and we connected by sharing about our days while I finished in my water-logging efforts.

It was luxurious.

I call it the female version of Valentine's Day. The male version of Valentine's Day (and I think you can guess what that might be *wink*, *wink*) waited for another night ...

I was surprised at how wonderful the evening was and how connected I felt to my husband despite the fact that we didn't engage in traditional Valentine's Day activities! It was just wondeful to actually ENJOY a holiday ... it's been so long.