Conversation Hearts

When I was a kid, I absolutely-positively-without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt LOVED conversation hearts. I would wait patiently while my mom or dad would place them on the counter at the checkout register and then would run to the car so I could eagerly open them on my way home. There was a method to eating the flavored chalky goodness that I adored. The orange ones were my favorite, so they were saved for last. The white hearts were boring so they went first, followed by pink, yellow, green and purple. One at a time, after the message was scrutinized, I would pop them in my mouth and savor each and every one.

I still buy them. I don't like the flavor as much. But I buy them because for some reason they make me feel good. Those stupid hearts send me back to a time that I like to remember. Therefore, once a year I grab a box of conversation hearts, read each one and sort through the ickiness in my past to land in a time where I was special. I must have been cool, awesome and rad. Those hearts told me so.

I'm not a huge fan of Valentines Day. I'm not the girl that needs to be pampered and spoiled because some person decided that it was necessary to commercialize love. We typically stay home and cook dinner here. I am perfectly fine with that.

This year for Valentines, I made Mark a picture to hang in his bike shop. A few years back, Tyson and Goose both drew out for their muzzle loader BIG Elk tags. This was a big deal in the Deason home. Many hours (and dollars) were spent planning and preparing for this hunt. Although it was exciting and cool for the boys, I think Mark was the most affected. He was giddy with excitement. 

Tyson ended up shooting his elk. From all stories, it was an amazing shot. Everyone was high-fiving and laughing and posing for the photos shot by Uncle Mike. I got hold of the pictures and made a movie/slideshow of their experience set to "Wild Eyed Southern Boys" by .38 Special. To this day it's one of Mark's happiest memories. He'll watch the movie and say EVERY SINGLE TIME "that was one of my happiest memories". And he means it.

At the end of a movie, I put a quote by William Shakespeare:

When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.

That ending screen from the movie is what I made into a picture for Mark to hang in his shop.

I think about how simple love really is. The unedited-easy-to-read version fits on a tiny, heart shaped candy. 

I probably will never be a huge fan of Valentines Day. I don't need the flowers and gifts showered upon me. I will grab my box of conversation hearts and read each individual one and remember why I love and am loved. I will remember that there isn't an item in the world that will top pure happiness and unfettered love. The love that a father feels for his son is a good place to start.