Valentine's Day

We couldn't have possibly known that very first Valentine's Day together what that day would mean. We couldn't have possibly imagined what our hearts would be celebrating every single Valentine's Day from that point onward.

I was always one of those closeted Valentine's fans. I loved the sappy imagery of it: the idea that on one day the person you adore with all of yourself showers you with love and adoration in return. I was always the "tough broad" and I highly doubt that anyone believed I cared about such sappy things.

The first Valentine's Day that Chief and I spent together, was actually a couple of years after we met. We had already been engaged and broken up. We were back together (but not engaged or married) for good this time. He did not know that my whole life I had always wanted two things: a giant teddy bear, and a diamond cross necklace. He did not know because I didn't tell him. I had long given up on those dreams of cheesiness. But on that beautiful day, he gave me those two gifts that I had always wanted. A giant teddy bear with a diamond cross necklace around its neck. It was exactly what I had always imagined. It. was. perfect.

Fast forward to one year later. I was 9 months pregnant with our little Mele. We were going into the hospital at midnight to be induced. That beautiful Valentine's Day was the last day that we were ever going to be "just the two of us." Our dinner was filled with nervous emotions, and overwhelming fears. How would we ever raise a human being!?!

The year after that, we were preparing to celebrate the one year anniversary of our child's life. We were knee deep in emotional toils that are too difficult to convey, but our relationship was over the hump and heading towards total healing. That Valentine's was filled with immense challenges, but great hope. We had experienced hell, and we had also experienced resurrection. We were rising from the ashes of destruction. We were together. We were still breathing.

One year after that, our three immaculate creations came in to the world. Yes, America, our triplets were born on Valentine's Day.

This year has been one where I've spent a lot of time reflecting on Valentine's Day for many reasons. I've been thinking back to six years ago when every minute was up in the air... Every breath was not guaranteed and the frailness of life was staring me in the face. I've been thinking back to that very first moment where Chief and I were sitting in his barracks room, nervously exchanging physical manifestations of our love and devotion to each other. Little did we know what would become of our lives. Little did we know what we would be facing.

When I hear/read people bashing Valentine's Day it stings my heart a bit. To me, the day is not about what "hallmark" has made it. To me it's about dreams. It's about love never happening the way you've planned or envisioned. To me it's about new life, rebirth, and devotion. Valentine's Day is about pouring yourself of all that you have, to the betterment of someone else. On Valentine's Day, I poured myself out to Chief. Then again to Lolli. And then again to our three tiny babies.

I love February 14th. I love it because that day is the day when I get to look out at our four amazing children, and then look over at Chief and think look what God has done! Look at what we have. Who could have ever thought that LOVE would be as beautiful as all this!?