Chocolate Dipped Strawberries & LOVE…

Spiderman and I were chatting about marriage and divorce. He told me about a friend who’d sent out a tweet saying how he’d always thought he was different because he was the only kid with divorced parents…but now it felt totally normal since so many of his friends’ parents weren’t together anymore.

I explained to my son how none of us set out in our marriages…for them to fail. I couldn’t find the words to tell him how sorry I was, how I hoped it didn’t change how he felt…that love was an amazing gift to both give and receive.

His comment of “don’t worry Mom, I just have to look at my grandparents to see how wonderful marriage can be,” was exactly what I needed to hear.

On Valentine’s Day, along with the other 364 days of the year, I’m not really interested in being single. I’d love to have someone to share my hopes and dreams with…to curl up to at the end of the day…to discuss my worries and fears. But, despite my relationship status, it doesn’t mean I don’t celebrate LOVE.

The fact remains, I love seeing people in love. I want it for myself, for my children, for those around me who I care about and even for complete strangers. I think there’s something wonderful about finding a partner who’ll support you in good times and bad…who’s there for you no matter what.

I think it’s rare…it takes commitment and work…mutual respect and admiration. I believe that couples who face challenges, who can get through those hard times and come out the better for it, should be admired. I tear up at beautiful stories of those who’ve made it through together…who’ve fought and battled illness and heartache…who celebrate anniversaries surrounded by multiple generations and are there, at the end of it all…holding one another’s hands.

Love isn’t easy but when you find it, keep it, take care of and respect it…it’s worth celebrating even on over-hyped cheesy holidays. LOVE, is really a wonderful thing.

We’re surrounded by so much that’s negative in the world…so much sadness and bitterness. I’ve fought my own heartaches and worked through trying to get to a better place and it hasn’t been easy. But, because of it, I believe that rather than roll our eyes at other’s happiness…we need to celebrate it.

Relationships fall apart…often leaving a great amount of heartache for far too many people when they do. Here’s to those who find the way to make it work…to stay together.

To Love.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:

1. Mix one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 TBS finely grated paraffin wax.

2. Microwave the mixture until, when you stir it, it’s runny and smooth. (I usually run it for 20 seconds, stir, thirty more, stir…etc…until it’s perfect.

3. Holding onto the stem, dip each berry then place them on waxed paper to harden.

4. When all berries are dipped, using the remaining chocolate, place a fork in the chocolate and “flick” it back and forth over the strawberries to add a little extra dimension (and more chocolate) to  your masterpieces! Use white chocolate for the “flick” to make it more spectacular…dip in finely chopped pecans if you’re really adventurous!

5. Share…and enjoy.