February - Valentine's Day

February is a month of mixed emotions for me. 

I don't think it is just because I am single either...

This February is the second anniversary of my changing my outlook on life.  Two years ago, February, was one of the hardest months - I made a lot of poor choices and hurt my family. 

This year it hit me extra hard and I was really struggling - then the worst day of the year was around the corner - VALENTINE'S DAY!  A single persons personal Hell...

But something weird happened - I received chocolate covered strawberries from my brother and his family.  They were delicious and helped lighten my dark and sour mood.  The next day I received flowers from another brother, homemade Valentine's from my sister and  her kids, yummy cookies from the parents and then even MORE flowers from my other sister. 

I went home that night and found a lovely card from another brother and a sweet homemade Valentine with yummy suckers from my sister and her family.  It completely made my mood change!

I was brought to tears by the love that my family has for me!  And I know that not because of the flowers, strawberries, cards, suckers and/or cookies....  But because the past two years, they have really been there for me! 

Emailing me loving words of encouragement
Holding me up when I couldn't hold myself
Flying out to see me when things were a little rough
Purchasing a Wii because they knew it made me happy (Thanks Dad - not only am I grateful, but so are all of my Wii Dancing friends!)
Helping me move into a more suitable environment
Cleaning my room of hazardous materials - thanks Erin and April!  :)
Crying with me on the phone when I don't understand things

That to me is L - O - V - E!! 

Family - you mean more to me than life itself...  I am here today because of the love and strength you have shown me!  Thank you for everything. 

I LOVE YOU!!!