Today is sunday the 13 th of February. The day before Valentines day. The day before romance and presents, a day made popular by the greeting card industry. A day to celebrate with presents according to my 7 year old daughter, Alex. She dragged her father to the florist yesterday, made him spend money. Bless her little heart I got 3 long stem red roses, a heart shaped helium balloon and a Whitmans sampler heart shaped box of chocolates. I opened it up( of course) and gave her the honor of having first choice of the only carmel in the box. We both know how to beat the system of her older brother. Either we give ourselves first choice or he comes along and leaves us no choice. But, no store bought gift can beat the excitement Alex gets from giving a present, the planning, the anticipation, the secret of what it is. The look on her face as she is intently watching my face for my reaction to the gift. Yes, Alex has taken the edge off of my grumbling Andy Rooney type mood today. Alex has restored my softer side, she reminds me that simple little gifts count as long as there is thought and love in the gift.

Pam