Many Ways to say you Care
In a very small town in Montana several years ago a grandfather watched the movie “Pay it Forward”. This movie inspired him to share his simple idea for changing the world. Since Valentine’s Day was coming up he selected he simple idea with 20 hand picked married persons, not couples and set out to change the world.He took these selected world changers out to dinner in a town not far away where he expressed his idea to make the world a kinder place and use Valentine’s Day as the kick off and reminder. He challenged these 20 people to join him in giving their spouse an extraordinary Valentine’s Day gift. There were an equal number of men and women.He had a little brain storming session where he asked them to share the little things they do that drives their spouses crazy. These are the molehills that turn into mountains when stress is added to the equation. Stories were buzzing around the table. Then he presented his idea.On Valentine’s Day you give your spouse your typical present, if you don’t usually get one at least get a card. In the card include this little statement. “Here’s to a year full of loving you, your way.” He then gave them all a little journal with these directions. Every day keep track of one thing you did to show them that you love them, their way. Remember all those every day annoyances, start there. Next year this simple little list will be their Valentine's Day Gift.Not inspired yet? Happen to have four of the original journals to share some of the ideas. That Grandfather passed away two years after he began the project and these turned up at his funeral and were entrusted to his family. Selected some random days from random journals.Day one: Took the garbage out before she asked meDay two: Didn’t ask him what he wanted for dinner, made it and served itDay three: Had pizza and six pack delivered to the garage where he and his buddies were doing whateverDay four: Booked and went to a couples massage with herDay five: Watched an entire show without touching the remoteDay six: Put the dirty clothes in the hamper, not on the floorDay 23: Said thank you four times todayDay 24: Brought home flowersDay 97: Remembered our anniversaryDay 98: No nagging about anything todayDay 99: Went shopping by myself, with my coupons while he watched footballDay 109: Put the seat downDay 140: Hugged her for no apparent reasonDay 160: Bought him a new hunting rifleDay 161: Gave him stuff so he could smell like elk urineLast Day: I gave her the journal today and watched her cry. Best year ever.This tradition is still alive and well. It has gone global. It is truly the best Valentines Day gift ever.
