So, as far as unexpected Valentines go I’d say my Granny ranks. Two days ago, I received a package (I love packages!) with a note written on the outside - open 2/14. “Well,’ I thought, ‘I’m not a child. There are no parents watching anymore, and I want my Valentine now.” I wavered on this for a couple seconds and then ripped into it. Inside I found a card, along with a small gift wrapped in tissue paper and a gold ribbon. Inside this, dental floss. Along with the above note, I, my four siblings and our six cousins had received a detailed instructional on proper flossing (did you know that, “The way you hold the dental floss is important”) and - wait, let me do the math - 530 feet of minty dental floss!

At first I thought, “Wait! How did I get sucked into this? At the time of this conversation I was on the other side of the country dutifully brushing and flossing after each meal.” Okay, no. “But, I certainly wasn’t bragging. I at least display a modicum of remorse over yet again shirking that tedious step in the daily hygiene routine.” Given that, don’t I deserve a little Valentine candy. Perhaps a Toblerone (I adore the person who created those) or a nice package of cocoa. Mmmmmmmmmm…

WAKE UP! You only have one set of teeth! Teeth you intend to use for at least another 60 years (yes, I’m that young). At this point, you’re lucky to have an entire mouthful of originals. They’re shiny, and straight and a necessary tool for this rapacious omnivore.

Yesterday, the company I work for received a letter from Senior Girl Scout Jessica Indovina whose Gold Award project is to raise money for what she calls Dignity Bags. While volunteering with a family center that provides shelter for women and their children, Jessica learned hygiene products are in high demand at shelters everywhere. One worker told her,

“deodorant with a ribbon tied around it would thrill the women….These people don’t have the money to purchase the necessary items we take for granted….My project is entitled Dignity Bags because the idea of my project is to give people a sense of dignity and self respect.”

The Dignity Bags were officially approved by the Girl Scout council in June 2008. Each bag will contain: soap, toothbrushes and paste, shampoo, nail file (no metal), deodorant, comb, q-tips, a wash cloth, and body lotion. Jessica has a goal of creating 1000 bags by her end date of September 2009.

My Valentine!

And then it hit me, I have a grandmother who took the time to ask important questions for her grandchildren’s health, print up instructions on proper flossing technique, wrap 11 packages of floss and mail them to every corner of the United States. What a blessing!

Given all I have, the least I can do is donate a few sticks of deodorant to Jessica’s cause, and of course keep flossing.

*Unfortunately I can’t offer Jessica’s contact information without approval from her first (I have a letter en route). However, if anyone is interested in donating then keep an eye out for future posts about Jessica’s project.