Of course they were from my parents, but they made me feel loved nonetheless. And being loved is a big part of cherishing Valentine's Day.

Here we are ten days later and I'm still in the mood. In fact, it's possible this February will remain in my heart always.

It began the week before as we selected valentines to exchange. Carrie chose Fun Dips because first graders would rather just cut to the chase where sugar is concerned. And Grace picked bobble-head penguins and Hershey's chocolate because, while she is a little off-kilter, her amore de chocolate is quite refined. Haley is in middle school and apparently they are non-observers.

As we addressed valentines Carrie's friend, Alyssa, sat patiently on the receiving end. But it was neither candy nor cards that she awaited. Rather, Alyssa was holding out for someone else's bone marrow to wipe out the Leukemia she has been battling far too long. And I'm happy to say she got it.

You can't imagine how elated Alyssa's mother was to discover she was a match. Not just because it could save her little girl's life, but because nothing swells in a mother's heart more than being what her kids need most. And the bliss that comes from being able to deliver on their behalf is incentive even when doing so requires phenomenal sacrifice. I'll spare you the details but, suffice it to say, it was no walk in the park. Sometimes love hurts.

Perhaps it is appropriate that, before Chaucer injected it with romance, Valentine's Day was in observance of St. Valentinus who was martyred for his devotion to Christ. Of course, love and devotion make heroes of us all. So it probably doesn't surprise you to learn that Alyssa's mom considered the bone marrow harvest a privilege. After all, few have the chance to give life twice to the same child. And in matters of the heart such things are no-brainers.

And, speaking of hearts, Alyssa had something very special for her mom post-op. Along with a box of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups was a hand-made card that read, "Thanks. You're my valentine and I love you."

Alyssa's mom couldn't have asked for a stronger pain-killer.

When Alyssa is not overwhelmed by the rashes, fevers and upset tummy that come from cancer and its cure, she is everything a 6-year-old girl should be. In the room her family has decorated like a Hawaiian paradise Alyssa makes crafts, plays games and watches movies. She has Child Life to thank for such happy distractions. And that explains the candy for sale just outside Alyssa's room, the proceeds of which will be given to Child Life so other kids can take a break from being sick. Some kids are all heart.

We receive news of Alyssa nearly every day, send words of encouragement now and then and pray for her each night. But Carrie's valentine said it best:

Dear Alyssa,

I miss you vary much. I hope you get better soon. Happy VLENTINS DAY! Hope you have a great day. I have been praing for you. I hope you come to cherch soon. I have been thinging about you so much. You are a great friend. When you get beter maby you could come over for a play date. We could play with moon sand and play with baby dolls. We could play with Max and play in the snow and when we come in we could have hot chocolate. It will be a great day. But bewere. Max could lik you so much. But he is very friendlle.

Love, Carrie

There may be no more snow on the ground, but I see lots of play dates in Alyssa's future. And Carrie's right, they will be great days. Of course even hard days can be great when you're loved.

If you would like to contribute to Alyssa's cause please consider a gift to Child Life, c/o University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE (on behalf of Alyssa Sandmeier).