This day began like any other. Nothing to suggest that this day was supposed to be “special”. No card with generic poetry, no goo-filled chocolates in a heart-shaped box, and no red roses wrapped in cellophane with a sprinkling of baby’s breath. And like I’ve said before, I am more than okay with that.
It wasn’t until late tonight that I discovered that something special did happen today. Papa and I were talking about how our days went, and we learned that instead of making this day “special” for each other, we both tried to spread a little love in our small corner of the world.
The kids and I made extra bookmarks to pass out to the librarians today…
It was a really small gesture, I know, but it made both the givers and recipients feel warm & fuzzy inside.
And Papa, well, he never ceases to amaze me with that big heart of his! See, this woman he works with had her bicycle stolen from our local Wal-Mart a few days ago. It was her only mode of transportation and she was unable to afford a replacement right away. So, Papa started a collection and was able to gather enough money for a quality bicycle. When they surprised her with it, she was brought to tears.
He apologized for not making today “special” for me, and all I could think to say was “Are you kidding?” He didn’t want praise, or recognition, and he’ll probably kill me for even posting this here. There are times when he doesn’t even tell me these types of stories and it isn’t until years later that I hear about them from someone else. But I must admit, I really love that about him.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Looks like you have a sweet family all around! What a special day for you and for all the lives you and your family touched.
Kristi recently posted..There is sunshine in my soul today
Thanks, Kristi.
He’s why this world will be a better place for our kids. It inspires your children, it inspires all of us reading and hopefully, all of the people he works with will go a step further and do something special for someone else.
I was just excited because my son found it fun to open the door for everyone the other day at a nail place, while I got a fix for two of my nails (gift certificate got me the manicure to start with). Everyone complimented me on what a gentleman he was……I chuckled, because he’s TWO. But you know what? If he turns out even a quarter as fabulous as your “papa”, then the world will be that much better for the generation that comes after him!
We need a little more of that in New York….just sayin’.
Staci recently posted..Frugal Style- President’s Week Winter Break on Long Island
Thank you so much, Staci! So sweet of you to say all of that…
Oh, how sweet! You are raising a fine young gentleman!
And I’m glad that people took the time to praise & encourage him – nothing urks me more than when my kids hold the door open and people cant even be bothered to say “thank you”. That happens A LOT!!! I usually follow it up with the loudest “You’re welcome!” to make my point. 
What a kind and caring person he is. That’s a wonderful story.
Thanks, Eva! He is definitely one of the truly kind people I know…
Those bookmarks are great! I’ll be adding them to our homemade gift boxes we give teachers at the end of each school year.
But onto the good stuff. I’m so impressed and inspired by your family’s generosity and sense of community. You’re setting a great example for your family, and your friends both off- and online.
Kelly recently posted..Fever
Yay! They were so much fun to make and I love repurposing the newspapers.
Thank you for those sweet words. You totally warmed my heart…
Sofia, you are well-named. And what might your husband be called? Justin? What a lovely story of righting a balance gone wrong – the true meaning of love and perfect for St Valentine’s Day.
By Little and By Little recently posted..High Heels- Part Two