from my heart to yours

call me old school, but i love getting packages in the mail. meet helena. that girl gets package, after package, after package. i've always longed to see one of my very own sitting on my doorstep.

since snowmageddon, our mailman hasn't journeyed down our two-dead-end street for a while. needless to say, the mail has been a little backed up. as we were pulling into our driveway this evening, i noticed a few parcels sitting on our snowy porch. this isn't out of the ordinary in the newland family, since the husby is an e-bay addict. as we made our way to the front door, i noticed they were addressed to me. huh?

i recognized the handwriting on one of the packages immediately. my darling sister. she had so thoughtfully sent me a valentine-themed package.

how cute is that apron? and those valentine mugs (with a hot chocolate recipe inside)?

there was a bunch of other stuff, too, but you guys would just think it's weird... but everything was very thoughtful and personal.

and then i get to the one that was very unfamiliar. as soon as i cut the tape, red and pink papers started gushing out. i dig my way through the valentine bear, pistachios, heart-shaped cookie cutter, and skittles trying to solve the mystery. and there it is. a homemade card.

as i read the name my vision becomes extremely blurry and i feel a lump forming deep in my throat.

my thoughtful, caring, sensitive, & wonderful friend, jesse. oh how i love her.

i have known jesse since we were, oh, i don't know... this age:

as i dig deeper, i see another card that jesse had had the girls we worked with write a few words to me. those big jerks made me miss them even more.

i honestly can't recall a time where i have been so astounded by the thought, preparation, and time one has demonstrated on my behalf.

thank you. thank you for making me feel so loved, even though i'm so far away.