Another thing that makes me smile? These precious hand-made (literally) cards that we receive for every holiday or season. Little Man's Momma is quite the creative one. And much more than that, she is gifted in expressing her love and appreciation. That quality has always made her so very easy to love.
Those of you, with any miles on you at all, know love is work. Doesn't matter if it is with your love, your family or your friends. There is work to maintaining and growing love. Love that is reciprocated flourishes... grows... spreads... stays strong. The opposite of that... well, is the opposite. Love is a verb, an action, a decision.
Long distance love requires extra effort. Extra work. Extra costs both physically, emotionally and financially. I so appreciate how both Jerry and Amanda work to come home when they can. It is hard to travel that far, to justify the cost of making that hard journey... and just to be away from home for weeks at a time... not in your own bed... with your own things... able to relax in your own space at the end of the day. It is a hardship. It is the work of love.
It is no secret to those that know me that the past two years have been hard for me. I miss my daughter, who is my friend. I miss my grandson, who I so hoped to be near as he grew up... to see his new milestones... to share in his life... to be the grandparent I never had around. But, that said, I appreciate what we do have... that is a willingness to work at our love. To continue to care for and tend it though it is not always easy any more.
And, I deeply appreciate my husband, who has continued to show his love for me in so many, many little ways... especially when I haven't had the energy to do as much of that as he deserves. It is my prayer that we all continue to have the strength, the will and the desire to love each other in the same way that we have enjoyed in our present and past. That is my Valentine hope for each of you, too... that you choose love.
I know I will.
29 comments:
Tanna that is a wonderful hearts day post....Love that is what it is all about....
This post made me smile today. :-) Have a wonderful day!
Oh yes, Tanna, it is hard work but such a labor of, well, love! I know how sad it can be to not have precious children (and grandchildren) near to us. Growing up in a large, extended family who lived in the same town (Roanoke) or within a 50 mile radious, gave me such a feeling of security and sense of being loved. I am so thankful for the advent of the computer!! I had a wonderful visit with one son and his wife on Saturday. It was almost as good as being with them even though they were in New England and I was in the midwest. I think it makes those moments of being physically together even more precious!
Your Amanda is certainly a reflection of you!
Best,
Bonnie
Oh yes, Tanna, it is hard work but such a labor of, well, love! I know how sad it can be to not have precious children (and grandchildren) near to us. Growing up in a large, extended family who lived in the same town (Roanoke) or within a 50 mile radius, gave me such a feeling of security and sense of being loved. I am so thankful for the advent of the computer!! I had a wonderful visit with one son and his wife on Saturday. It was almost as good as being with them even though they were in New England and I was in the midwest. I think it makes those moments of being physically together even more precious!
Your Amanda is certainly a reflection of you!
Best,
Bonnie
Tanna, what a great message on this day of love. Happy Valentine's day.
Beautiful post!
I wish you love and chocolate :-)
What wonderful thoughts and sentiments to share with us today. The hard part of the equation is for those we love, those whose attention and devotion to us comes at a cost they cannot always bear. We are blessed a hundred fold with our children. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
This is such a beautiful post....you have a wonderful gift of expression....I loved reading this.
Happy Valentine's Day, Noni
Hi Tanna - such a sweet post. You have a very special daughter and I know she wants you and the grands to be close. I think you WILL because you both are working at it so hard!
Sweet little cards with sweet sentiments and cute fingerprints. Your feelings came through in this post so well, Tanna - I feel the same about my husband - I know I am thoroughly spoiled!
Happy Valentines Day!
Tanna, my heart goes out to you. You and I are in the same boat. I agree, that it takes extra work to reach out to each other over extensive distances. Each meeting or communication becomes so precious and I've learned not to take anything for granted anymore.
But having to see my grandkids grow up long distance is still a hard pill to swallow. Guess I'll cope. Great post!
Tanna, this post is just beautiful. I know it's hard to be away from your children, especially the little one. My mom is five states away from our three, and I wish sometimes it could be different. However, we are planning a trip home in May, and the excitement that comes with going to see Mamaw is priceless. Thanks for reminding me how much the work pays off. Happy Love Day!
Tanna, happy Valentine's day to you and your family. Lovely photos, lovely prayer.
Enjoy!
HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY AUNT TANNA AND UNCLE EVAN!! I LOVE YALL AND MISS YALL... Mommy says yall are coming down soon :) I cant wait!! xoxoxoxoxoxox
This is so sweet and from the daughter's point of view it is just as special to us to "come home". Just knowing that home is there gets us throught the miles apart...I love this post. Happy Valentines Day :)
I'm wiping away tears. It is hard to be so far away, not only for myself, but because I want Little Man to get to see more of his Noni, too.
But I am so thankful for the love we share and the strength of that love. It is one of the things in my life that reassures me that everything will be ok.
Hope Pop Pop's steak dinner for you was as wonderful as I imagine it would be. Love and hugs to you both. XOXOXOXO Happy Valentine's Day!
You have said it all so well. Thank you. And beautiful valentines!
Thank you so much for stopping by my Art Blog, "Painting People" I appreciate your comment, and wanted to check out your blog. So glad I did...This was a touching and beautiful post.
You touch my heart, because for 27 years we did not live close to my grandchildren. When my husband retired, we moved to Southern CA to be close to them.
Most of them are now teenagers or older. We have two little great gransons now, and that makes 11 in all.
We were long distance grandparents for many years, and we shared love and cards and phone calls and visits.. so I understand how you feel.
Now we are having a great time with our adult grandchildren.
So glad you are interested in Watercolor. It's my passion.
I'll be back!
Your new friend.
Wanda
I love these sweet Valentine's...especially the little ladybug. I'm sorry you can't be closer to your loved ones. I hope you will see them soon. ;)Happy Valentine's Day.
I'm playing catch up on my blog reading, but had to tell you how touched I am by your post. You have a lot of insight and there's so much truth in what you say.
Best,
Susan
You are blessed Tanna! So much love in your life and in your heart! I can't wait to see that Noni love multiply once baby Correa arrives! Happy Valentines Day!
This is PRECIOUS Tanna! Each photo so pretty and your words are so true. Thank you for such a lovely thought.
Awe so sweet - I know how much you love your daughter and grandson and how it hurts they are so far away. How nice your daughter has it in her to do the work it takes to stay close. And what a sweet hubby.
Happy Valentines Day.
sandie
It is so hard to have those you love so much be far away, it tears at the heart big time. It does require more effort but it is so important, as are those we live with. Thanks for sharing :D
Beautiful post!
What adorable cards!
What a great tribute to your husband......
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts regarding your family.
Yes, Yes, Yes... Please join our Art Challenge on my Art Blog. It's very simple. Just draw, sketch, use any medium you like, and make your subject this time a flower or flowers, or a scene with flowers, anything you like, and when you finish, just post it on your blog or email it to me, and I will post it on the Art Blog with the other artists, and add you name to my sidebar to people can see your blog too.
I already see lovely flowers on your blog, but I will be posting some flower pictures in a few days to choose from it you don't have one you want to use.
Welcome aboard, girlfriend.
So sweet! I totally agree with love being an action! I like the analogy that love (in any relationship) is like a garden. It takes time and effort, or it is quickly filled with weeds.
Beautifully said, Tanna! You know I feel your pain as my grandson lives far from me and I miss not seeing all his little milestones. Today I got a Valentine he made for me and Nonno in the mail! His first handmade creation for us! I cried with joy :)
Oh, those little gifts and cards are so sweet. Your daughter sounds so wonderful. :) Aren't you glad you have modern technology!? It does make it so much easier!
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