Pretty in Pink & Pine Needles: A Love Story

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I could share many stories today – such as the one about our Proposal or our plans, but instead, I’m opting to share one about a different kind of love. A story that I remember vividly and ironically fit with my plans for today to see Pretty in Pink for its 30th Anniversary at the theaters.

It started with a Dream Box and the loss of our first baby. Fast-forward two years later, same time of year, just weeks after Christmas, with the news of our second loss fresh in my mind. And I was angry. Really, deep to my core, angry that I would have to deal with yet another loss and our family plans would be halted.

In my frustration, I looked at our Christmas tree still hanging out in the corner of our front room and did the only logical thing I could think of. I dragged that wretched tree to our balcony and chucked it over the edge, pine needles and all. Along the way, the dead tree dropped thousands of its needles and embedded them into our carpet.

It was not my finest moment. But it felt ridiculously good to throw that thing amidst my anguish.

My best friend in the universe called to see how I was and I think she could tell that I had reached a breaking point with my grief.

Within an hour, she dropped everything in her life – family, responsibilities, and obligations – to come and help me pick up each and every one of those blasted needles. And help me clean up the mess I was in.

She didn’t ask questions. She didn’t wonder why. She just cleaned up with me.

Because that’s what LOVE does.

Because love is action and not always words. Love is difficult, but Love is worth it.

I will never forget the love I experienced that day from my dearest friend. And on this Valentine’s Day, I hope you know that LOVE isn’t just the romantic kind.

It’s helping someone pick up pine needles embedded into a carpet.

So you’re probably wondering what Pretty in Pink has to do with it?

Well, that sweet friend also brought along a little care package – filled with a heart sucker and the movie Pretty in Pink.

Because there is not quite anything compared to the love of a friend.