The Little Things by Nora LeDuc

“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things.” -Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Ah, Valentine's Day. We celebrate love with cards, candy, and flowers. I'll take any of those. One celebration in particular stands out in my memory. It was February 13. My nine-year-old daughter wanted me to drive her to the local discount store.  She'd been saving up her small allowance for weeks to buy her teacher a special card. I knew this was important to her and agreed to squeeze the trip in.

We jumped in our ancient blue Chevy and headed out. Once we arrived in the parking lot, she volunteered to run inside and grab her purchase. I waited in the car but kept an eye on the glass entrance. In about five minutes, she came out with her white plastic bag and climbed into the passenger seat.

"Did you find what you wanted?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. I was anxious to get home and start supper, so we took off.  After we ate, she addressed her cards and crammed them in her backpack where she seemed to keep every book from school. I made sure she also put in the candy to pass out to her classmates for their party.

The next morning I walked into the kitchen and sitting on the table was a small stuffed bear with a heart that read I Love You. Beside it was a note saying, For Mom, Love J. It wasn't until then, I realized she'd been holding on to all her money to get me this gift. Wow! Of course, she strolled in immediately to see how I liked her surprise. I kissed and hugged her, and she set off to school laughing that she had fooled me.

Many years have passed since that day. I've kept that little teddy on the night stand by my bed where I look at it each day. And I remember my daughter's smile that lit her face when I thanked her.

So my friends, I wish you a stress-free February 29 and leap year. I hope you discover something that makes you happy today no matter how small the gesture.
~Nora LeDuc

                                                           

Don't forget it's our Romance Gems Anniversary. We are one year old this month. Enter our Rafflecopter with Amazon Gift Card prizes. You still have time today.

And don't miss our Valentine's Day Book Fair filled with the kind of books you love best. Open in February. Hurry! You can also watch the February video in our Movie Theater or on Youtube.

Thanks to all of you for joining us. Here's to another super year together!!