Today is Valentine’s Day. And in some ways, it’s just not a big deal to me anymore. I guess that’s because I am blessed to be married to a wonderful man for almost 31 years now and he is my Valentine every day.
Valentine’s Day seemed so much more important when I was younger. You know, when you’re hoping that the guy you like likes you too. I actually have a very vivid memory of getting up the nerve to tell a boy that I really liked him when I was in the second grade. It was just before Valentine’s Day and I thought he should know, just in case he was wondering. I don’t remember his name, but I do remember the deer in the headlights look he had on his face. He didn’t know what to say or do with that information. After I announced my affections to him, he avoided me like the plague. Naturally, I was more cautious about sharing my feelings from then on. In the fifth grade I had a huge crush on Neil. He sat in front of me in school. He always looked a bit disheveled, but in a cool sort of way. And even though he was “cool” and I was not, he was always very nice to me. Alas, he had a steady girlfriend. Yes! In the fifth grade. Even at 10, I knew you didn’t mess with someone who had a steady girlfriend.
It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I met my true love and Valentine for life. On our first Valentine’s Day together he gave me a card and a pack of sweet tarts. I thanked him and thought okay well we’ve only been dating for a few months, candy is good. He insisted I open the package of sweet tarts and have some. In those days sweet tarts came in a package like M & M’s come in; only it was foil not paper. I opened the package, poured out the sweet tarts and found a small packet inside that had a beautiful star sapphire necklace in it. I knew right then and there that any guy who would take the time to meticulously open a candy packet, put something special inside and close it up again was a keeper!
That is such a sweet story! I’m with you about Valentine’s Day. It’s a nice day to reflect on, and appreciate, the love in your life.
Sounds like a really nice guy – do I know him?