Valentine

I would just like to say how wonderful this Valentine's Day has been. I mean, it was definitely nice to have a Valentine :) but beyond that, it was just a nice day during which I was able to tell certain people how much they mean to me and vice versa. For instance, my dad, who is not one for sentimentality, won major points this year. Let me explain. I get a card from him on Tuesday with a picture of Minnie Mouse on the front - I'm 22 and as far as I know, I've never had strong feelings toward Minnie Mouse. So then I open it, expecting something great inside. Nothing but "Love, Dad." So the thought was very nice, but I'll tell you that the card ended up in the trash can very soon after that.

Then Wednesday, he pulls through, and I get the following message in my inbox:
"I know I didn't write anything on my card but wanted to share my thoughts: We had a wonderful year together. The diving was great and you are a great diving buddy. Give some credit to your instructor and training in Maine. I have thouroughly enjoyed our trips and am very comfortable with you as a diving buddy. As for the necklace, I have wanted to do that for some time, but wanted you to be of the age that it meant something. I guess now we go into the next era of young adulthood and your transition from college student to the work force. Always know that I will be there for you and that I will always be there to help. Love, Dad."

First of all, my Dad is a seasoned scuba/cave diver; he's been doing it for over 40 years and has logged over 1700 dives. He is VERY VERY sparse with compliments. My mom, who was his diving buddy until I took away her free time, has always complained to me that all he did was criticize her; he never offered his praise, just his criticism - "remember that your feet should be on the same line as your head, if not a little above it." Drove her crazy. So when Dad and I get out of the water after a dive and he nods at me and says "good dive," it means a lot (seriously, he's not one of words!). Then to get this email that says he's very comfortable with me as a buddy... I almost fell out of my chair. I've only logged 50ish dives... I'm still a long way behind him but that boosts my confidence in my talents and abilities under water.

Then the whole necklace thing... he reset a star sapphire from one of his rings and gave it to me for Christmas as a necklace. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is by FAR the most sentimental gift I've EVER received. So it meant a lot to me. Besides, it's GORGEOUS. So, again, very touching for him to comment on it.

Finally, the fact that he supports me as I move to Arizona is a big deal... I remember when I got the job offer... I called him the next day, and he said, "We'll discuss it when you come home." And, in response, I lowered my voice and replied, "No, sir. There will be no discussion." In retrospect, probably not the best move, but he accepted the fact that TFA is where my heart is. So now, even though he's not entirely happy, he's supportive, and that's more than I hoped for! Right after I got the TFA job, I was at a loss at how to explain the mission to my parents, so one of my friends recommended getting a copy of Wendy Kopp's book One Day All Children. So I ordered three copies, one for me, one for my mom, and one for my dad. In my heart, I knew that ordering a copy for my dad was probably worthless because, unlike me, he doesn't really read anything except the newspaper. But I did anyway, and at the beginning of Thanksgiving break, I dropped it off at his house. When I came back at the end of teh week to say adios, the binding was broken. When I asked about it, he admitted that he had started reading it. I think that was the first sign that everything was going to be alright (and good thing too, since at that time, I had already signed my contract!!).

So anyway, the point of this rambling is that though Valentine's Day can be annoying, it definitely wasn't this year and helped me to remember why I love the people in my life so much. That's all.