HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Today, Valentine's Day has more of a special meaning to me than in past years. Valentine's Day is a day to express love to those you care about and let them know how much they mean to you. Valentine's Day is celebrated with red and pink boxes of candy. You will see lots of red roses and flowers in all shades of red too. When you think of Valentine's Day, the color red comes to mind.

But this year, when I think of RED, I will think of my friend Mary and the peach tree that I planted in her honor the day of her Memorial Service.

Bill and I did not attend her Memorial service. We chose to stay at home and honor Mary in our own way. And that Saturday morning from 10-2 our thoughts were with her family and friends that chose to attend and celebrate her life.

During the hours of ten and two I was at our local Home Depot purchasing the peach tree called Red Haven. I loved the name of it since the word "haven" means a place of safety. Red has always been one of my favorite colors and has a feeling of warmth and intense emotion. Every time I pick a peach from this tree in the future, I will remember my friend Mary. The tree will also serve as a reminder to me of my friend Lela's birthday, Feb. 3. Lela too, has made her transition.

So, all wrapped up into one wonderful tree I have Lela's birthday (Feb. 3), Mary's Memorial (Feb. 4), and Mary's birthday (Feb. 5). Haven: A place offering favorable opportunities or conditions. Just in time for Valentine's Day and LOVE.