We’re doing something different this Valentine’s Day. For decades we’ve sent (now 100-year-old) Sr. Advisor, R, my husband’s mother, Sweet Sloops from Harbor Sweets, sent because we lived far away. She loved the first box and wanted nothing else from then on. Thus, they have been her ongoing Valentine’s Day treat. (Harbor Sweets was a small Marblehead, Mass. family type business when we discovered it.)
This year, however, things needed to change. R is no longer eating chocolate (due to problems falling asleep) or nuts or carmel (she must be kind to her old teeth–still all her own). I loved this Valentine 
idea when Monique told me she thought of it for her mother a few years ago; and I introduced it on this blog last year. It will be R’s Valentine this year as it better meets her new needs–A small heart-shaped box containing the following note:
“I’ve taken all the love out of my heart and placed it in this box.
Any time you need a little, open the box and let some out.”
While Monique’s 89-year-old mother lives in France, I think this works for anyone we love, in any circumstance–whether being sent far away or delivered close to home or to a care center or nursing home. With permission, I share once again and personally use it for the first time.
The round tin will hold a few small, decorated cupcakes. While the tin will soon be empty, I have the feeling that the heart with its message will endure.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES
Note: Small heart boxes and round tin found at Michaels crafts.
Help! Aging Parents 
I love this idea!
So glad you do, Sally. Of course, so do I. Just checked and enjoyed some of your posts. Love your blog’s title and was wondering if you wrote about marmalade (you didn’t in what I read); but my mind was thinking marmalade is terrific last-minute or anytime gift, especially for an aging parent. Thanks for your comment and for another aging-parent gift idea.
My mother went through a stage with her Alzheimer’s where she put marmalade on EVERYTHING. That was where the name Hot Dogs and Marmalade came from — a day when she used marmalade as a condiment for her hot dog.
Makes sense! In fact today’s NY Times, Science Times column by Jane Brody, discusses caregiving and begins with a husband caregiver for his wife who has Alzheimer’s. “We laugh a lot–laughter definitely helps,” he says. “Maintaining a sense of humor enables me to stay in balance.” You obviously know this. Appreciate your sharing.
Very sweet. 🙂
Yes, thanks–and my friend, Monique deserves the credit. She’ll be so happy to know you liked it. Happy Valentine’s Day!