[Lifestyle] This is how I'll be celebrating my first Valentine's Day as a single mom

[SliCeR]

“Mama, is Valentine’s Day cancelled this year?” My daughter’s innocent question is like an arrow to my heart. I’ve been separated from my husband for six months, and the hurt is still fresh, so there’s a big part of me that wishes it was. “No, sweetheart,” I say, kneeling down in front of her and giving her a hug. “Why would you think that?” “Well, if I don’t go back to school, how will I give my cards out to my friends?” Good question. 2020 may be over, but the pandemic isn't. Not by a long shot. She's supposed to return to in-class learning before Feb. 14, but it seems highly unlikely given the way our COVID-19 numbers are looking. ALSO SEE: Gigi Hadid gets candid about home birth: 'I was an animal woman' Since this is also my first Valentine’s Day as a single mom, I’ve decided to rebrand it in my mind and make it all about me and my daughter. I want to start a new tradition and celebrate our strong bond, and how we’ve grown closer during the time she spends at my house, which is about half the week. “We’re going to have our own Valentine’s party at home!” I finally answer her. “It’s going to be so much fun!” She looks at me, baffled. “But how? Who’s going to come?” My smile is a little wobbly, but I soldier on. “We’re going to create our own kind of celebration this year. Since it’ll just be me and you, I thought we could do something new. Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about flowers and fancy dinners for grown-ups. That’s what Papa and I used to do, but this year I want to do something extra-special with my favourite girl—you!” “OK,” she says slowly. “So, what are we going to do?” “Lots of cool things, like a Valentine’s treasure hunt,” I tell her, not wanting to give too much away. “But you’re going to have to wait for the rest. It’s a surprise."