Dear Avaleigh,
Today is your first Valetine’s Day. It is going to be the first of many. I’ve got some strong opinions about Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is money. That’s it. People make a big stink out of getting flowers, gifts, or candy. But at the end of the day, it’s all about money. Kids in school get all kinds of stuff. It’s comical. I know you are going to get stuff, too. I hate the thought of it, but I know that I will give in.
Valentine’s Day is about romantic love. When you grow up and fall in love for the first time, it’s going to sweep you off your feet. Heartbreak will likely ensue and I will have to break some 16 year old boy’s leg. But that is part of life. Here are somethings I want you to know about love as you grow….
Love is hard to describe. You can’t see it or touch it, but it is real. I’ve known love on a couple of occasions in my life, but I have known no love like the one I have for you and your Mom. Love isn’t about sex, love isn’t buying gifts, and love isn’t about doing things that make you feel uncomfortable. Love is about sacrifice, living for someone else, and making decisions based on the good of others. If someone you grow up to fall in love with doesn’t do these things for you, then they don’t love you the right way. Don’t stand for that.
Love is about noticing things. Notice when someone has sacrificed for you. Notice when someone dress up for a date or for an event that means something to you. Notice when someone picks something up that you left out. When you notice something, acknowledge it. Gratitude reaffirms love.
Cherish love. Relationships have challenging times, peaks and valleys. If you get too caught up in the negative, you will lose sight of the love. Focus on the love. It will help heal the bond that the hard times fracture.
Believe in your love. I believe in your Mom, wholeheartedly. I have faith in her. I know that she tries to move our family to a better place each day she wakes up. Be willing to let your love step out on a limb. Whether it is risking a job opportunity or putting someone through school, believe in that person and the feeling that you have for each other. You will reap what you sow. If you nurture that faith and belief in your relationship, it will turn into something you didn’t think was possible.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you say til death you part, then hold up your end of the bargain. If you say you will never forsake someone, mean it. In relationships and love, this is becoming more and more uncommon. If you tell someone they can count on you, then be dependable. Avaleigh, someone else has to hold up their end of that bargain, too.
No matter what you do, move towards God with each other. Base your relationships on Christian principles. They will help you during the dark times and will provide you with a direction. Your Mom and I need to work on this and we will.
Love is more than flowers on Valentine’s Day. It something that you live and show each day.
I love you today, tomorrow, and forever,
Dad
Dad of Girls 