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A Note to My First Love
Ah, Valentine’s Day—the day we all pretend to be indifferent while secretly wishing for flowers and chocolate. “I don’t care about Valentine’s Day,” you say with a smirk. “It’s just a silly Hallmark holiday.” But then you find yourself eyeing your friends’ bouquets and sweet treats, nudging your partner for a little something special, which usually results in a week-long emotional rollercoaster that ends with a fight and some passionate make-up.
Here we are again, that time of year. Yet, this Valentine’s Day will be different for me. My partner is far away, and so is my mom’s. Both of our significant others are off on adventures in distant lands. While that might be tough for many, I’m handling it just fine. You see, my dad was often away for work during my childhood, leaving me with my mom—the most resilient woman I know.
This year, I’ll be spending Valentine’s Day with her. We’ve got plans: Chinese food, a movie, and some heart-to-heart talks about life. I might not be able to spoil her with fancy jewelry like a spouse would, but I sure wish I could. The most meaningful part of our time together will be discussing the kind of love that’s developed over years:
The love that grows when you witness a fierce little curly-haired kid come into the world, despite the chaos of a quick delivery that leaves hospital staff scrambling. You see that kid struggle through school, getting into trouble, and you’re there at every parent-teacher meeting, ready to defend her. It’s the love that says, “Yes, sing your heart out; I’ll always be here for you.”
It’s also the love that pushes a woman to rise at 4:30 a.m. to prepare fresh lunches for her children because she didn’t have that growing up. She’s been through her share of challenges, and as a child, you try to grasp as much of it as you can. While she goes to work, you get to share stories about her career at school. This love leads to big arguments (because you’re just too alike) and immense comfort (because you’re just too alike). It’s the kind of love that lets you be yourself, knowing you’ll always have a home and a heart to return to.
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love in all its forms. The love I experience now is rooted in the love my parents showed me—full, honest, and overflowing with excitement. Each year, this day reminds us of that first, unconditional love, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health.
I love you, Mom, and I’m here to stay—especially for our Chinese dinner on Saturday night and many more to come.
If you’re curious about similar journeys, check out this blog post for more insights into love and family. If you’re considering starting your own family, Make a Mom is a great resource for tools and tips to help you on your path. And for detailed information on fertility treatments, March of Dimes provides valuable support.
In summary, this Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating the enduring love I have for my mom, rooted in the experiences we’ve shared. It’s a love that continues to shape who I am today.