Dear Poppy,

 Today is Valentine’s Day.

 It’s supposed to be a special day for the two of us.  A day when we remind each other of how much we love and appreciate one another with the exchange of gifts and a romantic dinner; just the two of us.  But, we both know, that’s not going to happen this year. It’s just a reality of our family and schedule these days.

 So the best thing I can do for you on Valentine’s Day is to write you this letter…

 How long has it been since we shared an extended time together?  Two years ago?  I’ve tried to recall that trip and any special memories we may have and I hate to admit that I can’t.  Did we make any lasting memories on that trip?  It seems like ‘forever’ ago.  I miss you.  Oh, I know we see each other everyday, but I miss you.

 The other day you asked me what you could do for me.  I probably said, “Nothing.”

Well, that wasn’t the truth.

 This is what you can do for me:

-I need time with you, not time near you.

-I need an uninterrupted conversion.

-I need eye contact.

-I need you to give me the eyebrow

-I need flirting and lots of it.

-I need your ears to turn red because I said the right thing at the right time.

-I need time alone with you and no electronic devices in sight.

 I want to spend special time with you, and just you.  Wine tasting.  A dinner at a fancy restaurant.  An overnight trip to San Diego.  A weekend in San Francisco.  Four days at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.  As much as I know you would love to do all those things (especially Ojai) it’s just so hard to get all the stars aligned to do such things in our home, but…

 Have you noticed the sky lately?  I think the stars are getting to be where we need them.

 It may not seem like the most romantic adventure, but next week is WPPI in Vegas and I don’t think you believe that I’m ready to go.  Can I shout it from the rooftops right now?  “I AM SOOOO READY TO GO!”  Let’s learn, laugh, and love the way God intended us to do so.  Let’s make lasting memories and meet other cool people while we are there.  Let us let all the photographers at WPPI know that we’re having the time of our lives.

 Last week I was sitting in my car at school (again) after hours (again) waiting to pick up the girls (again) and a teacher walked by.  She said to me, “You must REALLY love your wife.”  I replied with a smile, “I do.  I really do.”

 All my heart,

MAX