Valentine’s Day really snuck up on me this year. Two days before, my youngest said, “mom…Valentine’s day is the day after tomorrow.” Just like that.

Huh…ok. In the midst of life happening, other things go on…like holidays and birthdays and stuff.

You know what also happens? Besides all the cool European things that we get to experience? Grief. Grief about what we have left behind. This simple statement from my youngest sent her middle sister into a tailspin of grief and sadness.

“I’ll never get to have a Valentine’s Day party again.”

“I’ll never get to trade valentines with my friends again.”

“What about conversation hearts? Those are my very favorite!”

“I don’t want to just have a dumb valentine Math activity at school.”

She wanted the real deal. I felt so bad for her. Ava wouldn’t have remembered much of her V-Day party in Pre-K, so she was happy with the heart-ish art activities.

Oldest texted me from school reminding me that it was just a day for stores to make money. Cynicism at age 12.

But then my own panic set in. I didn’t have anything remotely Valentine-ish. For anyone. Nada!

Plus, Andy was in Russia. Yep. Russia.

So what did I do? I spent Valentine’s Day scurrying around the mall trying to find a few things to help bring a little holiday fun to an average afternoon. And I have to say…the girls were thrilled with their goodies.

I thought the Vampire Bats were cute! Unfortunately I didn’t notice the word ‘Lakritze’ which translates to licorice. Here’s what we thought about that…

Thankfully I had a backup bag of regular bears.

So when Andy returned from Russia that night, – what better gift than Vodka?

It was for sure a unique holiday.