This Is a Post About Love

"I love you." Three simple words, taken individually. Put them together and they can become very hard to say. I have a husband, family, and friends whom I love. And cats. (Just two; don't be alarmed.) I don't tell most of them "I love you" nearly enough. In the case of friends, maybe not ever. Why? What's the worst that could happen? Hearing those words from me, a rather non-expressive person, some of them would probably laugh uncomfortably and wonder if perhaps I had a brain tumor. If I accompanied this outburst of feelings with a lurch forward for a hug, I'd be whisked to the hospital for a comprehensive physical at once (and God knows what THAT exam would reveal. Horrors!).

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I want to share some of my most prized possessions. They are drawings made by my niece, K., and nephew, R. I've had them for years. (The drawings, not my niece and nephew.)

K and me. I'm the taller one.

This is on my fridge and makes me smile every time I see it.

A lovely birthday card from K.

And an equally lovely (and remarkably similar!) card from R. 

I don't have kids of my own, unless you count the cats (and, yes, sometimes I do). K and R are the closest I have, and I treasure the homemade cards and presents they give me. Especially the ones that say "I love you." So don't call the doctor, friends and family, but I love you too. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I'm lurching forward for a hug...

Love,
Ms. CrankyPants