On Love

I once read that being in love is actually a nonstop series of falling in and out of love. For example, you feel slightly indifferent but then see the way he has your robe waiting for you when you get out of the shower, or that he has saved the parts of the newspaper he knows you'll be interested in, or that he knows when you're in need of gourmet coffee - not just the stuff from the pot on the counter - and you fall in love all over and over again. I find this to be true.

I find this to be true of kids too. Of course, you're always head over heels for your children, but there is something about certain moments that make you simply melt for them. Like watching their little fingers flip the pages of a book, or when the kiss they gave you wasn't square on the lips enough and they need a re-do, or when they offer to lend a mature hand and help unload the dishwasher or help the littlest one. Love is not a static condition, but rather a dynamic, changing state than can cause the strongest extremes of worry, pain, happiness and joy.

And tonight when we had our traditional candlelit family Valentine dinner, that condition of love brought on the utmost of happiness and joy. Happy Valentine's day to you and your valentines - big and small!