Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers!
Amidst the demands of the times, we pause and celebrate those we love. How wonderful is that! Stores are filled with bouquets of flowers, boxes of chocolate, and rows of cards. Today LOVE is getting needed attention.
With Valentine greetings spread across the blogosphere, there's one special Valentine I'd like to share with you today - my grandfather Valentine F Butters.
Amidst the demands of the times, we pause and celebrate those we love. How wonderful is that! Stores are filled with bouquets of flowers, boxes of chocolate, and rows of cards. Today LOVE is getting needed attention.
With Valentine greetings spread across the blogosphere, there's one special Valentine I'd like to share with you today - my grandfather Valentine F Butters.
Born February 14th, Val (as he was called), quickly became beloved by all who knew him.
For most of his life, he didn't have much, and he didn't care. He loved life - the challenges, the joys, and all the moments in-between.
What I remember most about my grandfather is his laugh. No matter the circumstance, peeling potatoes or reading me a book, he'd offer a heartfelt chuckle.
For most of his life, he didn't have much, and he didn't care. He loved life - the challenges, the joys, and all the moments in-between.
What I remember most about my grandfather is his laugh. No matter the circumstance, peeling potatoes or reading me a book, he'd offer a heartfelt chuckle.
My mom was a twin, and when she arrived, the whole community responded. They were the first twins in the farming community and quickly lost their names to be called "The Twins".
For Val, they were a miracle. He spent long hours in the fields caring for this miracle, and each year another arrived.
I never heard my grandfather say anything unkind or thoughtless. If he spotted one of his grandkids in tears, he'd pick them up and listen to their story, then he'd offer hugs and say, "It's not so bad, now is it?" I heard this expression more than once, and it always made everything better.
Much like the Twins, my grandfather saw his grandchildren as miracles. But Papo (as we called him) was our miracle.
Thinking back over the years, there are many Valentines I cherish, but my grandfather tops the list. In his memory, I offer a simple Tanka poem and wish you a very happy Valentine's Day.
RSS Feed