On Valentine's Day, we collectively say, "I love you." Traditionally we embrace romantic love, but this is also the perfect time to pass a little love on to special people in your life. Mom, dad, sisters, brothers, friends, teachers, and co-workers will beam with joy to be reminded that you care.

My heart was forever touched after I was told of a woman who had lost her fight with cancer. Knowing she would not be there in body for each anticipated milestone in her young daughter's life, she decided to be there in spirit. She wrote letters sharing her love, and bought or made gifts for future birthdays, graduations, sports and academic achievements, an engagement, wedding, and childbirth. After she passed away, her child would receive these messages from her mother's heart.

For Valentine's Day, you can make a "Because Box," a beautiful little box filled with notes to complete the phrase "I love you because... " I promise this token of affection, created in your own unique style, will be a cherished treasure to anyone who receives it.

You need:

• A small box with a lid
• Glue or adhesive
• Items to decorate your box: beads, buttons, ribbons, glitter, shells, dried flowers
• Decorative papers

• Cut 10 or more pages from your colored paper to fit your box
• On the first page, write "I love you because...
• On the remaining pages, describe why you love the person to whom you are giving the "Because Box"

• ...you make me laugh
• ...your belief in me has helped me grow
• ...you are funny
• ...you listen to me
• ...I know I can trust you
• ...you bake the best cookies

Sandra Magsamen

http://homeparents.about.com/cs/valentines/a/becausebox.htm