Little Pink Paper Hearts

Sometimes it's the simple endeavors we make on Valentine's Day that count the most. Creative gestures that we may think silly can often speak volumes to another and generate lasting memories of kindness and care.

 As children, we all remember passing out Valentine’s Day cards at school. Usually, they were the homemade kind crafted from construction paper and were glued to various sizes of lace doilies. We’ve come a long way from the elementary ways of expressing affection or love, but our hearts haven’t changed. Many of us still carry the influence of youth under our adult veneer and relish being remembered.

 This Valentine's Day I decided I would do Valentine’s Day acts of kindness. Along with creating special Valentine's Day cards on my compute to send to my family, I also made little pink paper hearts to hand out strangers and friends with uplifting sentiments written on the front.

            

Valentine’s Day is all about love, cupids, hearts, flowers, candy and cards. I’ve read that over one billion of them are exchanged each year. Also, that eighty percent of Valentine’s Day cards are purchased for relatives. And, that Hallmark has over 1,300 different cards designed specifically for Valentine’s Day.

 Along with the cards sent and received, we know romantic dinners will be enjoyed in restaurants and flowers will be delivered from florists this Valentine’s Day. That might make you think that lovers receive the most cards. I've read that isn't the case. Teachers receive the most cards followed by children, mothers, wives, and then sweethearts.

There are so many ways to extend love and bring a smile to a face.  My sister, Leslie’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day. It brought me great joy when I dropped the special birthday Valentine’s Day I created for her into the mail box. Feeling happy about the card and mailing it even brought a smile to my face.

With all the revenue companies receive from the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, it’s the heartfelt gifts that speak to my heart the most. Mine sit in my box of treasures. They are the ones from my children. I can still envision their little faces with a shy smile and arms outstretched with their gift so earnestly made from nimble fingers yet presented with such pride. 

Maybe my inspiration for passing out little pink paper hearts comes from my own children’s affection and admiration. I kind of think there is a connection. As a matter of fact, I am sure of it!

   

I hope you will share my blog with your friends and come back and visit to see what’s new.

Wednesday, February 19, Jennifer Botkin Phillips, will be speaking at "Young at Heart" senior luncheon at Montvale Evangelical Free Church, 141 West Grand Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645. 
For reservations call Karen at 201.391.6233. A $6 donation is suggested.  Topic: "Life on the edge including a kidney transplant".

Fling wide the gates

Now, I can say that my goal of writing a January 2014 blog post is accomplished! True, I barely made it, but perseverance has paid off! Perhaps, this is perfect timing now that I’ve settled in after a month in Montana with my family. And, now that I’ve had time for reflection on all that transpired in 2013 when my life dramatically changed.

It is nearly six months since my kidney transplant. What I’m keenly aware of is that due to the generosity of my living donor, Dot Elwood, I’ve been given a second chance at life. Each and every day I’m filled with thankfulness for the gift of life and what that means to me. Thanks to Dot, I’ve been spared the weekly treatments of dialysis and the challenges it presents.

With my transplant behind me, I now wonder what the days ahead will hold for me. What imprint will I make in 2014? Will my life be one of significance? Will I accomplish my goals and realize my dreams? The joy of living that’s bubbling within makes me want to shout, “Fling wide the gates!”

Maybe you too have crossed over a chasm and doors are opening for new adventures and opportunities. Second chances are a time of celebration!

Yesterday, at a follow-up appointment with my nephrologist (kidney doctor), at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, she totally surprised me. Along with her discussing my lab work and side effects from my anti-rejections drugs, I shared that I’m on the verge of realizing a lifelong dream. I found myself holding my breath while waiting for her response.

 “Go for it!” She said with an affirming smile. That was all I needed to hear. She continued, “That’s why we do transplants, so that you can go live your life!” Before I knew it I was out of my chair and hugging her enthusiastically!       

What I heard in her reply was an endorsement for, “Fling wide the gates!” With my new kidney humming along and my recovery in back of me the sky is the limit!

I’m a sixty-eight year divorced woman, mother, a grandmother, a sister, aunt and friend, who has a new lease on life. I don’t know what my future holds, but I pray for courage to step beyond the familiar and find out.

In the book of John we read, “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Do I really believe that? Do you really believe that? You and I have the opportunity to trust God that He will fulfill His promises.

 “Fling wide the gates!” I’m ready to embrace each new day and see how 2014 unfolds. What about you?