Happy Valentines Day 2011 (Appreciating the ones I love!)

It’s Friday before Valentines Day and I am sitting here reading about and hearing of everyone’s wonderful plans to spend the day with their loved ones. Since I am in grad school, many of my loved ones will not be with me this year on Valentines, but I will take this time to appreciate them from afar.

My wonderfully smart sister

E, I am so proud to watch you grow into such a astonishing person. You have such determination, motivation and passion for your future and that in which you love. You take time to let the people you love know that you care for them. It is so amazing to see you embark on the journey of your own life. I cannot wait to watch your adventure unfold. I am so lucky to have you as my sister.

My nurturing, loving mother

M, You raised your children to be such wonderful, caring, compassionate and smart individuals! You teach your students to the best of your ability and give them so much of yourself and your compassion. I know that you strive to have a positive outlook on life and you have an uncanny ability to appreciate other people’s smallest accomplishments. I could not imagine what my life would have been without your support and encouragement.

My witty, life of the party father

P, You, like your father, have such a unique talent to bring amusement into any situation. You have taught me to be silly, funny and unique as a human being. You have instilled into me the appreciation of weirdness, yet also the importance of setting goals, doing the best you can and helping people that need it. You have such loving intentions to guide your children and your family. Without a doubt, you bring laughter into the lives of everyone around you.

My sweet and generous boyfriend

N, more than my boyfriend, you are my partner and my best friend. You make me feel valued and loved. You appreciate the good and the not so good parts of me. You will go to any lengths to cheer me up, should I be sad, or calm me down, should I be a bit too happy. You do not hesitate to share adventure with me. I cherish the relationship we have and cannot wait to see it bloom in the future. I love you more than words can express.

Happy Valentines Day to everyone in my life! I appreciate each person that brings something special into my life and helps mold the person I am today.

~Jessica