2/13/17, “Happy Hearts!!”

Hi Everyone,

Ahhh…yes…today is the eve of one of those days that can go either way, thrill you or break your heart, or slip and slide from the sublime to the ridiculous: Valentine’s Day of course. I’ve had all kinds, and you probably have too. I had two marriage proposals on Valentine’s Day (I am a profoundly corny person, so I thought that was great!!) One of those proposals resulted in 18 mostly happy years of marriage, and 8 of my 9 children, and the other resulted in 8 years, and a second great love in my life. I am very lucky to have had two great loves, and both of them wonderful men. And our love for each other lasted longer than our marriages, and lasted until the end of their lives. I will confess, I miss them both. So that was the height of my Valentine’s Day experience. But there have been some very major lows too. (The French say “Never two without three”, which is an interesting thought…..so who knows maybe one day there will be another great love in my life. Anything is possible. I heard of a couple recently who married at last at 87, so that certainly gives us all something to hope for—-and plenty of time to plan!!!)

Valentine’s Day is a tough day because we all have such high hopes and expectations for it, from the time when we are children. I’ve told you before, that mine got off to a rough start when I was the only girl in 3rd grade who didn’t get a Valentine’s Day card!!! But there have been some grown up Valentine’s Days that fell short of expectations. There is always a frenzy of flowers and chocolates and romantic plans and dinners exchanged on that day, and if you don’t have a seat in the musical chairs of Valentine’s Day, it can leave you feeling very sorry for yourself!!! Or you can just treat it with humor and figure it will be better next year!!! The wonderful thing about life is that you really never know what is just around the corner, what wonderful person will come into your life, and how things can change radically in the space of a year, or even months!!! My greatest defeats were always followed by my greatest victories, my greatest disappointments followed by my great loves.

I actually got unceremoniously dumped (yes, it happens!!!) one summer, and 6 months later, on Valentine’s Day, my husband John proposed, and the happiest 18 years of my life ensued. I could never have predicted what was going to happen. It came right out of the blue, when John and his wife separated and divorced, and he stunned me by asking me out a few months later, and 18 years of marriage and 8 children happened after that. So you really never know what’s going to happen. And I’ve watched it happen to my children too. One of them was heartbroken over a failed marriage, and a year later is married to a wonderful man and expecting a baby. You just never know.

So if this year doesn’t look like it’s going to be a winner in the lottery of Valentine’s Day, wait and see, next year you may be on top of the world with the person of your dreams, having the best Valentine’s Day of your life. Tomorrow is just one year, one chapter in your life…..so my hope for you is a wonderful Valentine’s Day, and that all your dreams come true. And if it isn’t tomorrow, next year may be your lucky year. And if you are in the throes of a grand romance with romantic plans for tomorrow, good for you!!!

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day—–and be sure to eat all the chocolate you can!!!

All my love,

Danielle

Leave a Comment

If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Comments

10 Comments so far
  1. Janine Hewitt February 13, 2017 12:21 pm

    Hoping for a lot of happy hearts worldwide…. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful tradition and occasion to cheer up February!

  2. Asavari February 13, 2017 10:06 pm

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you!!!! Much love

  3. Rob Scott February 14, 2017 4:39 am

    Happy Valentine’s Day, Danielle.

    Perhaps today could also be “Golden Rule Day” to be more inclusive.

    I was moved by the following passage shared with me and I plan on taking action with it today even though I am single.

    “The idea being that the day should be a lot more expansive and inclusive than a romantic day of love. Friends, family, coworkers, service workers – everyone you engage with! – should feel your genuine care, even if it is a fleeting moment of gratitude.”

    Truth, Wisdom, Love and Sincerity,to ALL Mankind.

    Rob Scott
    Oaxaca, Mexico

  4. Elaine February 14, 2017 6:42 am

    Hi Danielle,

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!

    Regards,

    Elaine

  5. mike reid February 14, 2017 7:46 am

    Hi Danielle – Wishing you the best today on your adventure – it should be very exciting and rewarding I’m sure.
    Gods wonders and love our everywhere. Enjoy & HappyValentines Day to you and your family – Sincerely Mike

  6. Marcela February 15, 2017 6:20 pm

    Thanks Danielle.And Ir hope that the true love and eternamente love come todo you.!!! I admire you!!!
    I read some oficina your novels
    ? Happy Valentine’s Day !!!

  7. Ally February 20, 2017 4:09 am

    Bonjour Danielle !
    Je vous souhaite une très bonne saint Valentin (en retard !!) d un petit village de l ouest de la France !
    J ai une interrogation qui me taraude depuis quelques temps : pourquoi ne parlez vous jamais de Julie Campbell, qui a été pourtant très importante dans votre vie ?

    Recevez mes sincères salutations.

  8. Sue Wheeler February 20, 2017 8:55 am

    I love your books! I race out to get the latest book as soon as it is available.

    Have you ever thought of a series of books??? Just a thought!

    Cheers
    Sue Wheeler

  9. Lorraine February 22, 2017 4:31 pm

    The best Valentine’s Day of my life happened to me in the 1980s when I brought my first baby home from the hospital! That would be a hard Valentine’s Day to top! Just finished your book, “The Mistress.” I enjoyed it a lot!

    Love,
    Lorraine

  10. Rita Norman February 26, 2017 9:27 am

    Dear Mrs. Steel,
    My twin sister & I share your Aug. 14 Birthday. We were born in 1951. We are both Retired teachers.
    We love ❤️ you and love ❤️ your books ? we have read over the years, but it hurts our hearts that you use the F bomb & GD bomb. I am trying to finish reading “Impossible”. The book ? is excellent, but the F & GD bombs aren’t. Could you please write a book ? for me and Nita—without using these two bombs?
    Love ❤️ You,
    Rita & Nita Norman
    PS-Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!
    ☺️??❤️❤️❤️