Love Day

At American Greetings where I work, Valentine’s Day is like the Super Bowl for us. It is by far our biggest holiday. However, for Stephanie and I, it wasn’t quite that. Sure, we celebrated it – gave each other cards or gifts and ate out somewhere usually — but it didn’t hold a candle to our anniversary and birthdays. At the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy, we didn’t really need a holiday to celebrate our love for each other.

I’m thankful for that this year on February 14, as I think it will soften the blow. I’m sure it will still hit me. My day will no doubt come to a crushing halt as I double over in tearful emotional turmoil. But for the most part, I think I’ll be okay.

What really surprised me was that I found myself perusing the “For Wife” cards last week. I even thought I had picked one out and was going to buy it for my bride. That is not like me at all to do something like that. But I almost did. The only reason I didn’t was because I found one card after another that seemed too perfect. I couldn’t pick just one. I loved being married, and every card reminded me of how beautiful she was and how amazing it was to be married. God sure did an incredible thing when He created marriage.

And for that, I wish God — and all of you — a Happy Valentine’s Day.

17 thoughts on “Love Day”

  1. Same to you brad. Valentines was never a day I liked. It always seemed to put an exclamation point on what I didn't have and still don't. But what really helped me this year was my family! They showed me love even though I do not have someone special to share it with. They showed me that I don't have to have someone. But I do have them! They have shown me love and likewise! Today we should celebrate all who love us no matter what position they hold in our lives! They love us and that's all that matters! Celebrate love today no matter where it comes from! Celebrate the love we receive from god! Because there is no greater love than that! :)

  2. Happy Valentine's Day Brad! Dan and I feel the same about not needing a holiday to celebrate our love, but we like to bless others and tell them how much we love them. We love you cuz! You're forever in our family and in our hearts and we know that God has your innermost desires in His heart and plan for you! At the very least, eat some chocolate today. Did you know Malley's has chocolate covered bacon? Wow do I have ADD sometimes! Love you and love to Brady and Halle!

  3. Was praying for you throughout the weekend. Stephanie taught me to use Valentine's Day as an outreach for my neighbors (and using I John 4:19 on their gifts: We love because He first loved us) so that is what I'm doing today because of her! Hugs to you :)

  4. Was praying for you throughout the weekend. Stephanie taught me to use Valentine's Day as an outreach for my neighbors (and using I John 4:19 on their gifts: We love because He first loved us) so that is what I'm doing today because of her! Hugs to you :)

  5. Beautifuly said Brad! As I always say, you are an amazing man! Each day it seems you remind me what faith and love should be for the Lord. Happy Valentines day! Ps. I need an update… :)

  6. Same to you brad. Valentines was never a day I liked. It always seemed to put an exclamation point on what I didn't have and still don't. But what really helped me this year was my family! They showed me love even though I do not have someone special to share it with. They showed me that I don't have to have someone. But I do have them! They have shown me love and likewise! Today we should celebrate all who love us no matter what position they hold in our lives! They love us and that's all that matters! Celebrate love today no matter where it comes from! Celebrate the love we receive from god! Because there is no greater love than that! :)

  7. Happy Valentine's Day Brad! Dan and I feel the same about not needing a holiday to celebrate our love, but we like to bless others and tell them how much we love them. We love you cuz! You're forever in our family and in our hearts and we know that God has your innermost desires in His heart and plan for you! At the very least, eat some chocolate today. Did you know Malley's has chocolate covered bacon? Wow do I have ADD sometimes! Love you and love to Brady and Halle!

  8. Sarah and I are the same as you and Stephanie about Valentine’s Day. You said it perfectly, we don’t need a holiday to celebrate our love. But I suppose there’s a lot of couples that do, so maybe it’s a good thing.

    Forget the tears today – you’re not alone on Valentine’s Day! There’s A LOT of Stephanie in those beautiful kids of yours. So squeeze on ’em and celebrate your love for Stephanie, Brady, and Halle! Happy Valentine’s Day.

  9. Glad we could share Valentine's Day with you! I'll take pizza and friends and fun on any day, and especially on any Valentine's Day! We love you! (And glad the kids fell asleep so you could enjoy the movie and relax:)

  10. Don’t worry. You are not sounding the least bit cheesy. :) I admire the way you define your love on Valebtine’s Day and the way you’ve been handling the day. Happy Valentine’s Day.

  11. Brad, Our hearts continue to break for you as each day goes by. What a beautiful testimony to Stephanie as we continue to read your blogs. We all pray that your pain will start to decrease. We all Love you and continue to pray for and think about you.

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