Thanks, Shannon

My friend writes a blog, Cole-Lateral Damage.  She's been through a hellacious few years, but she is strong, and thoughtful, and wise.  Cute blog name, lots of amazing and visually satisfying photos, some sweet stories.

And this:

Dear Valentine,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for releasing me from your grasp.  This is a day to remember those sweet times and there were a few. But, it also a day to celebrate the future good times and happinesses we will all enjoy now and in the future.  We can and will prevail.  We are strong and determined.  

We don’t need tempestuous behavior and spoiled adults to placate. We need maturity and co-parenting.  We all have our own stories and woes.  We support and love each and every one of our friends.  We celebrate today the absence of your drama, even if we are in the midst of some of that drama but realize it is not in our home with us any longer. 

We celebrate the martyrs today.  And that we are not among them.  We appreciate Geoffrey Chaucer and his courtly love that has tainted the hearts of women waiting for that white knight and of women searching for their princess. 

We don’t need candy, flowers, dinners, and jewels. We need love and in its simplicity with the honor and commitments, respect, adoration and generosity of spirit that should accompany love.

With all the anger, drama, bitternesses we feel, we all want the same things: Happiness and security for ourselves and our children today and every day hereafter.  

We are not sad today. We are jubilant with the what-ifs and the gorgeous day that is today. We are pleasantly surprised by the gentle touches from our friends and families. 

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together,
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near
The rain goes and
I know, that it’s
Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows for me.

(mostly by Gore Lesley)

Mostly, we breathe a sigh of relief that we can breathe and smiles and laugh and cry and that these actions are our own. We love what love stands for and that it is good. We relish those moments of pleasant peace and gentle moods. 

Thank you, my friends for supporting me when I want to bash their heads, kick their shins or simply vent and shriek. You are my TRUE VALENTINE’S, I love you.