Why I love Valentine’s Day

I’ve mentioned how much we rely on our families in previous posts, but since Valentine’s Day and Family Day are both coming up, I thought it might be the perfect time to share why these two occasions may as well be the same holiday in our family.

Since Syona was born we rely on our families for everything (before she was born we relied on them for mostly everything). They are our biggest support system in every way — from the practical to the emotional and everything in between. And they help us love life and truly enjoy it.

I could go on about how their babysitting services and cooking help us manage our schedules and stress. I could talk about how they are always pitching in and willing to help at any given moment. But the truth is that words can’t quite explain what they bring to our world.

They have helped us through the toughest of days and help us celebrate all the milestones. They are the ones who see Syona for who she is, not just her diagnosis.

We’re extremely lucky. We have a close family that is all mostly local or soon to be local (Dilip’s brother and his family currently live in Vancouver but are due to come back this spring — yay!). Everyone gets along, we’re pretty upfront and open, mostly positive and quite honest. And when one of us is having a tough day, the others step in to lighten their load. It’s a pretty great system we have going on.

I talk to my mom, my sisters, and Dilip’s mom daily (usually). And we talk with Dilip’s brother’s family a few times a week.

I’m also lucky to have some pretty incredible friends — both old and new — that are only a phone call, text or Facebook message away.

I don’t think I would enjoy my life as much as I do if it wasn’t for all of these people.

I know that not everyone has this kind of system. And to be honest, I don’t know how people do it without this kind of support. My hope is that you find a way to build your own, whether it is through neighbours, colleagues, friends or other people you meet. Because how do you do it alone? And I guess the truth is support system or not, you just do it, because what other option do you have?

But for now, I want to tell our entire family that we love you. And we’re so happy to have you in our lives. You make our world better, and what more could you want from a family? And this year, you
are our Valentines (all 14+ of you).

Do you have a support system? How do they impact your lives?