Happy Valentine's Day

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

Before you read this, remember the consumer holiday of Valentine's Day is a shame.  Companies make millions selling diamonds, cards, meals, luxury items, and other things just to prove that you love someone.
Before you assume that I am the scrooge of the valentine holiday hear me out.

Love.
Not one time have I ever even thought for a moment that my wife does anything but love me.  This month has been very hard.  Hard in the fact that there is the grief of loss for Faith would have been born in February.  It has not stopped me from appreciating what I have.  I have a wife that puts up with me. Here are a few things that I appreciate about my wife, and don't tell her like I should.

Here it goes.

1. She always asks me about my day.  Even when I know that her days have been just as hard as mine, and she knows that I will rant about school (all things that she has heard before)
2. She puts up with me.  I can be a real bundle of stress and nerves if I have had a bad day.
3. Smile.  Her smile and laugh light up a room.
4. She has extreme patience with me (just ask my sister...and you would understand)
5. Frustration does not stop or hinder conversation.  We talk about what is bothering us.  
6. Cooking.  Does a great job and is willing to try new things.
7. Snuggle up and watch a movie. - sometimes just what the Dr. ordered.

I didn't get a card for Valentine's day, so "hope" you like what you get....me! (Really corny :)).


Love, M