When I was in grade school, we were supposed to send Valentine cards to all our classmates. We’d buy them in packages from Woolworth’s or Kresge’s… so everyone pretty much gave out the same tacky cards.

It was a little intimidating. We were told to send cards to everyone—but what if no one sent me a card? Or—what if I forgot someone? The odd thing was—even though I knew everyone was sending cards to everyone—I still was surprised and happy to receive those valentine wishes: “Won’t you be my valentine”… “You’re my valentine”… “I {heart} you” … “Won’t you be mine”…

My mother used to send me a special Valentine—it wasn’t from a package. I liked getting her cards, and I knew that the love she expressed was true. When I think back on those years, I realize that I took for granted that my mother loved me. And I loved her. But I wonder if I told her how much I loved her. She was just my mother—she would always be just my mother.

It has been nearly 35 years since my mother died. She had a heart attack or stroke—I’m not sure which… It was very sudden, and I was totally unprepared for her loss. I miss her all the time. I think about her when I’m baking… when I’m making the bed… when I read a book or see a movie that I think she’d like… when I look in the mirror…

My husband and I don’t usually make a big deal about Valentine’s Day. We probably won’t give each other cards again this year. Even so, we never take our love for granted.

My newest book is about us—it’s a story of love. It’s called GROW OLD WITH ME. This colorful and whimsical book is an all-year Valentine’s card—for lovers of any age!