Post Valentine's Day Analysis

I don't mind Valentine's Day, although I wouldn't call it my favorite holiday. I guess it is that streak of rebellion in me I probably got from my dad. I feel like saying to all those Hallmark/ Kay Jewelers/FTD floral people, etc.- "You're not the boss of me. You can't tell me when I can tell those I love how important they are to me." But there is one aspect of the holiday that I do love. It is a holiday that comes unexpectedly to my children. They forget to anticipate it and when it gets here they are pleasantly surprised. They aren't asking for stuff beforehand and they don't have to be warned to be good in order to get anything. It is a "no strings attached" holiday- for both them and me. I usually get them a gift, but it is not required. I don't feel obligated and they don't have to do anything to deserve it. I can get them something just because I want to and I love them. I don't get them anything fancy- this year it was just pajamas, but they were so excited and happy! Well everyone except Katie. I got her red pajamas and she kept screaming at me that she only likes pink and purple. But if I gauged my self-esteem as a mother based on Katie's reactions I would never get out of bed! But all this got me thinking about love in general. True love should really be "no strings attached." Because let's face it- we all do things to make us undeserving of the love we receive. But often we are pleasantly surprised at the love that is offered us in spite of what we do- but rather because of who we are and who we can be. And in having someone love us "warts and all" it allows who we can be to come through. I think we often forget to anticipate how much those around us truly love us and probably more importantly how much we can truly love others. So I guess if Valentine's Day can get me thinking this deeply about the meaning of love, I suppose its not such a bad holiday after all. Dangit- those Hallmark people got to me!:)