Weeks later, when my daughter was again at my home, she handed me my Valentine’s Day present early: a small box that she had painted red, tied daintily with a gold band, topped by a chocolate that we shared. With anticipation, I reached into the pretty little box. To my surprise, I pulled out a Play-Doh heart that she had made for me and painted. I looked quizzically at her, wondering what it meant. Why was she giving me a replica of what my therapist had given me? Then she slowly handed me a card she had made. She was embarrassed about the card but then finally allowed me to open it and read it.
It was a poem far beyond her years. She had understood totally the meaning of the gift from my therapist. Juli-Ann had written me the most touching and loving poem I have ever read. Tears flooded my eyes and my heart burst open:
For My Dad
Here is a heart
For you to keep
For the big leap
You’re trying to take.
Have fun on your journey.
It might be blurry.
But when you get there,
Learn to care.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Love, Your Daughter,
Juli-Ann.
Above all my material wealth, I count this poem as my most sacred treasure.
Romance is not the be all and end all of love. If a partnership fails, don’t forget that friends and family will still be by your side. Find the one thing that gives you hope, and most of all, stay strong. For there is no growth without struggle.
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