barbara writes

All week, I’ve been thinking that I ought to write something for Valentine’s Day. It kept my wee mind occupied as I drove to and from the hospital each day. My brother was released to my care on Valentine’s Eve.

Truth is, I’m not in a very Valentiney mood this year. David and I did not make a big deal out of this holiday. So it’s not about that. What it is about is the enormous void in this house and in my life that doesn’t seem to be fillable. Fillable, not to be confused with replaceable.

My brother. Now there’s a Valentine. One of many in my life, as it turns out. Family and friends who are all about love, but not about romance. People who pray for me, cook for me, invite me to go places, who meet me for coffee, repair the seemingly endless array of broken things in this house, listen to me, listen to me, listen to me, reminisce with me, check in to see if I’m okay. Actually, I’m not, but I plan to be eventually.

Just for today, I’m not going to pretend.

Just for today, cherish your Valentines.