February has many fine meanings for me.  First, it’s the month before my birth month.  It’s a short month, and soon it will be Spring, that makes me smile a lot.  However, this month is full of challenges that could be obstacles.

Tomorrow, February 2^nd, Puxatawney Phil sticks his head out of the ground, looks for his shadow, and always, without question announces six more weeks of winter.  Winter not being my favorite season, especially this past week with sub-zero temperatures, I am not to keen on listening to his premonition for the end of winter.

On February 3, 1984, my best friend, my partner, became my husband.  We had a private ceremony on that day.  Although we had every intention to marry, we married on that day to prove to a custody judge that our relationship was legitimate and retaining custody of my oldest son was appropriate.  Although this is a day to celebrate, we chose to have a wedding with all the trimmings in July of that same year, to share with friends and family, not for maintaining custody.  However, 20 years to the day, my POPs passed away.  Now that day and date are filled with a rush of emotions.  Additionally this year on said date, I will be attending a Memorial Service (Funeral) for a cherished musician who recently befriended me.

February 4 for most of my life was a great day, my favorite cousin, Gloria celebrated her birthday just four weeks prior to mine.  As soon as I was old enough to send her cards or call her to wish her a happy day, my yearly routine included this very special girl.  In my mind, she will always be the cute petite cousin who I looked up to with respect and so much love.  Sadly, my Gloria passed away just weeks before my mother in 2016.  I am blessed to still be in touch with her children and grandchildren keeping that connection alive and bright.

February 14^th has never been special in my past.  I was not the young girl in high school or college with boys or a boy sending me flowers, and or professing love for me.  Although my husband of 35 year treats me special every day, Valentine’s Day is just another day in our lives.  Rich refuses to be nice to me for just one day!  (I am blessed.)

One reason I loved this short month is that my mother was a Leap Year Baby.  It became a standing joke that not only was my mother shorter than all of her children; she was also younger in birthdays!  When mom died on October 11, 2016, she was 96 in years but 24 in Birthdays.  (Don’t worry, we never let her go a year without a celebration, she enjoyed birthday wishes on the 28^th of February and the 1^st of March.)

So as this month begins I will face it head-on.  Each day is another step closer to my favorite seasons, Spring, Summer & Fall.  Join me in sharing memories that will warm us adding sunshine and smiles into our lives.  We are not guaranteed a future, that is why we must live in the present!