Valentine Trifecta: candy, stuffed animals, a homemade card.
Stop Breaking My Heart Kid:
The 15 Year Old: “So, Valentine’s Day is soon?”
Me: “Tomorrow.”
15: “Oh. I don’t really have anyone to be my  Valentine.  (long pause, sigh, sigh, sigh) I guess there’s always you. (long pause) I mean, there’s a mom’s love, right?
Me: “I will always be your Valentine!”
Seriously, 15 is breaking my heart. On the one hand, I completely understand those sighs. Because at 15 who doesn’t want a Valentine. A real little romance to moon over, a hand to hold, a person to call on the phone, “no, you hang up, no you hang up.” But as his mother, I’m relieved. Sad, but relieved. He’s 15. I’d like him to learn to finish his laundry and keep his clothes (not to mention those blasted legos) off the floor before he endeavors to win the heart of another girl.
And he has high standards. Which is also good. And he’s homeschooled, which really narrows the pool. I’m safe and I know it. There are no girls on the horizon in the near future. But, honestly, on a day like today, I wish there was. I’d gladly give up my Valentine status to see him smile. A real, “holy cow she LIKES me” smile. . . not the wistfulness I get when I hand him his candy in the morning. Â Long pause. sigh. sigh. sigh.
I know some of you are not keen on this day. Or even if you are, life has brought you to a point where you’re looking about for a Valentine and the only face showing up for the role is your mom. And you might be commiserating with your 15 year old self and wondering, “Why don’t I have a Valentine?”
It’s OK. It really is. Because your mom loves you. . . and so do I. And we  both believe there is someone special waiting for you. Because we’re mothers and we know. Until then, we’ll happily stand in the breach and let you break our  hearts. We will always be your Valentine.
But really, pick up your clothes already.
One more reason why I love you. You are such a good mom. Would you be my Valentine?
Always!
It breaks my heart to see anyone at any age not have a special someone as a Valentine…but this year I realized as I got my Fathers Vday card in the mail…how lucky I am to still get cards from one of my first Valentines ever. And yes, I recognize that I’m a lot older than the boy (ahem) so this could be why I’m so touched to still receive a Valentine in the mail from dad. And until he finds his special Valentine wish him a very special Valentines Day from me! And tell him, I’m totally pulling for love to wander his way!
It’s so sweet your dad still sends you a Valentine. Inspiring, in fact!
I love this post. Not sure how to expound on that…it just really touched my heart. Thanks!
I’m so glad, Becca. That means a lot to me!
I believe we have love in our lives in all kinds of ways, and it’s special to remember all of them… even our moms. 🙂 So cute he made you a card too! ♥
I agree… alas, the card is from me. . . I was ahead of the game on the gift thing, but waited too late for a good card at the store. So, he got my poor penmanship… 😀
Well said…it’s that standing in the breach at all ages and stages that breaks my heart over and over again. Because if we don’t stand there, who will? I just pray that someday, at the right time, there will be the right person for each of my boys to stand with them. The girl? I pray she will be strong enough to do this tough job…
Ah, mothering. . . not the easiest of vocations, no? I share your prayers. Though, mine might include a plea or two for a girl who either loves to clean or doesn’t mind the creative mess.
I’m not keen on this holiday because of the very reasons you mentioned. You’re a “have” (which means nothing, it’s one day a year) or a “have not” who feels left out and alone.