Last year, we skipped Valentines Day completely. Nate’s dad had been admitted to the hospital so we canceled our dinner reservations and Nate boarded a flight to Pennsylvania. Little did we know what the hellacious weeks ahead would hold.

This year, he brought home flowers and a growler of my favorite kombucha. The kombucha rolled out of the car when we opened the door and smashed in the driveway which felt like a very accurate 2020/21 valentines gift ????

But over the years, I have witnessed the depth of romance far from flowers or gifts (though those things are lovely).

It’s when you’re holding a screaming toddler with 6 blocks to go and you lock eyes, and smile. Both knowing you’re committed to the chaos of it all, together. It’s when you’re holding your spouse as he says goodbye to his father for the very last time. When you can feel his heart breaking and cannot fix it, but promise to be with him every day as it mends.

In the sweetest of times.
In the darkest valleys.
In the words that cut deep
…and the apologies.
In the making of vows
…and keeping them.
In the daily choosing of each other.