Lucky Lucille: happy 'single awareness' day

My daughter (Sadie) and I are not the biggest fans of valentines day. We feel it's the day that so blatantly points out that YOU are the one not getting flowers, or YOU are the one who didn't get asked to the dance because the boys like prettier girls than you! Now, sounds pretty negative - but - we have a different take on this day of 'love'...we call it Single Awareness Day.

Single Awareness Day is a day that spotlights how single you really are. When you're in jr. high or high school, it's just flat out tough. The PTA (who are all old and have forgotten!) organize this "roses and chocolate" fund raiser. You purchase a rose or a chocolate, send it to the those you infinatly love (for a couple days...until you find someone cuter) and to make it worse they deliver them durring class. Now, what if your the girl that's just everyones "buddy" (my Sadie and Me - back in the day), or the girl that doesn't wear a size 2 and skinny jeans, even worse a girl with special needs? Your not getting any roses or chocolates...and it's obvious. Yah, that's when valentines day sucks!

There is an UP SIDE to Single Awareness Day! If you're a teenager, you have the opportunity to Celebrate in the freedom of NOT being attached to a immature boy! You save your money because you don't have to purchase cheesy gifts from walmart that are only going to end up at the local thrift store anyway. Best part of all...you GET TO think about the people and things you really love, like family and great friends :] As an adult, this is how I look at valentines day...it's a great chance to reflect on who has been a great friend or example to you in your life, maybe how much you love a spouse or a pet. I love to think about 'worldly' things that make me smile or laugh...like...Grover from Sesame Street, Diet Coke, my dogs, a warm blanket, vacations and maybe even my favorite shoes! So yes, valentines day isn't so bad if your the girl who didn't get a rose or chocolate...there's always something to love that will love you right back, even if it's just your fuzzy, warm blanket.

If I could accomplish only one thing in life...it would be to help ALL children feel loved! Each child is special and unique. Yep it does sound cliche, but to me it's OH SOOOO TRUE :] So that's what valentines day is to me...just loving everyone and everything that makes me smile! Be strong you teenagers who feel unappreciated or un-noticed...I love you! I really do!

I just now received a text from my Sadie that said "Happy s.a.d day...oh, that's ironic :]" How appropriate Single Awareness Day...yep, it's a TERRIFIC thing to have a good sense of humor!