Turning a Corner

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! I hope your day is filled with sweet surprises!

My Mom loved special occasions. When I was young, Valentine’s Day was a wonderful day because we kids could count on a special dinner, complete with a chocolate cake and some treats for each of us. On St Patrick’s Day, we would have a white cake with green vanilla icing. Easter brought a white cake covered with coconut and pastel coloured jelly beans. Mom got her love of special occasions from her Mom, my Nana. Nana loved making each grandchild feel special on their birthday by cooking a special dinner, complete with chocolate cake.

And so, in the tradition of Nana and Mom, I am getting out my heart shaped pans and preparing to make a chocolate cake to serve at dinner here tonight. I am thinking of Mom, on this first special occasion since she died, celebrating her, and feeling a lot of gratitude for the many things that she taught me.

And I feel like I am turning a corner in my grieving process. So far, it’s been all tears and deep sadness. But today, remembering Mom and our many Valentine’s Days together, a big smile is shining through my tears. And since I love to bake, I am looking forward to the day ahead!

Sending Valentine’s Day wishes to all of you!

Sue