Letters from NYC

Dear Cupid

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I am looking forward to celebrating this day for it's pure meaning - the celebration of love. I love the incredible energy that love brings into a person's life. Since the start of the year, I've tried to create a loving atmosphere for myself, so I can share that with those around me, both in the real and virtual world.

This past year, this blog has helped me realize that I've been very shy about meeting new people. I guess I had to truly grieve the death of my friends before I could move on. My grieving had to truly turn the corner into celebrating their presence in my life. They gave me more love and support in the years we were all together, than most people experience in a lifetime.

Valentine's day would be when we would take kids from the local homeless shelter ice skating in Central Park. Afterwards we'd give them little gifts followed by hot chocolate and lots of smiles and hugs. It was always a wonderful day full of happy smiles and great feelings, whether we were involved or not.

Well, tomorrow Dear Cupid, I venture out as your ambassador. I will be spending 2 hrs volunteering with a local kindergarden class helping them create valentine's day cards for their loved ones, reading Valentine day stories, eating heart shaped chocolate cup cakes with sprinkles (I just made) and just having a real fun time. I'm really looking forward to speading some loving smiles and hugs. I just love the hugs I get from these wonderful little angels. They, as you, have truly been a balm for my soul.

Long ago I discovered that loving life, kept me full of joy and wonder, which in turn touched the lives of those around me. I lost that part of me after 9/11 when everyone I loved was taken from me. But now I'm living on for their loving memories, and for the life they taught and gave me to live.

So, in celebration of that love, I hope that everyone experiences more than just the words I love you. I hope everyone experiences the kind of simple loving, such as actions that touch the heart, convey. Those actions carry more weight, depth and meaning than any 3 words could ever offer.
I hope you have a love-filled week!

Posted by Michele at February 13, 2005 10:35 PM