As we approach the season of love, adorned with heart-shaped candies, roses, and sentimental greeting cards, I find myself reflecting on the true essence of Valentine’s Day. This holiday, so often tied to romantic love, holds a broader meaning for me, especially since becoming a mother to my incredible son, J.
Valentine’s Day, in its purest form, is a celebration of love in all its vast and varied manifestations. It’s about appreciating and cherishing the love that permeates our lives, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. For me, it’s the love I share with my husband, D, a love that has deepened and evolved through shared experiences, laughter, and navigating life’s challenges together. It’s also about the profound love I have for J, a love that is both fierce and tender, boundless and all-encompassing.
Love, I’ve learned, is not just about grand gestures or poetic declarations. It’s found in the quiet moments – in the shared glances with D that speak volumes, in the gentle grip of J’s hand as we navigate the world together, in the warmth of our family unit as we weather life’s storms.
Being J’s mother has expanded my understanding of love. It’s celebrating his unique way of expressing affection, whether through his contagious laughter, his fascination with the world around him, or his endearing quirks. It’s about patience, understanding, and cherishing J for who he is, not despite his Autism but because of it.
This Valentine’s Day, I invite you to join me in honoring love in its entirety. Let’s celebrate romantic love, but also familial love, the love between friends, self-love, and the love we have for our unique children. Let’s honor the quiet acts of love that often go unnoticed—the understanding nods, the shared burdens, the hands held tightly in times of distress.
In a world that can often feel chaotic and challenging, let’s take this day to acknowledge and appreciate the love that binds us, that lifts us up, and that makes each day a little brighter.
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers. May your day be filled with love in all its beautiful forms.
As always, Aurora