Valentine's Day

It is Valentine’s Night.  I am thinking back to the Valentine’s of my youth – oh how time has changed. 

 

My daughter had a great Valentine's Day even though it did not go as she had planned.  Things happened out of her control – her boyfriend did not get off work until after 9:30pm; however, once he arrived at our home, starving, she fed him a nice meal and they exchanged gifts.  His gift to her was this VERY large, cuddly teddy bear – something she had always wanted and I had told her “no” for years.    “You don’t have the room for something so big.”; “You don’t need that.”; “It is not practical.”  And there it is - me, the practical mom, insisting on keeping her practical as well.   I caved … and glad I did. I am so happy he got the bear for her.  The smile on her face when she saw it was priceless.  Her evening tonight reminds me of so many I had when I was younger.  

Da Bear!

My valentine of 27 years has been sick this week and was not able to go shopping.  No card, no flowers, nothing.  It is all good.  I know if he had been well, I would have received a beautiful, hand-drawn card.  He is a great artist and I love his homemade cards.  We might have gone out to eat; instead, I made him one of his favorite meals.  I did get us discount movie tickets that I will surprise him with when he is better.  I will let him pick the movie and I can guarantee it won’t be a chick-flick.  I am thinking he will lean toward the new Bruce Willis movie.

Our first Valentine’s Day was back in 1987.  Though I am not 100% sure, I think we went to dinner and a movie.  He got me a card, flowers, a stuffed animal and maybe something else.  It was the first of many fun Valentine’s Days together.  Over the years, our celebration has changed.  We still keep it practical, but fun.  And we know that the love is always there.   We also do more for the kids – which brings much joy to both of us.  But my days of stuffed animals are long gone.  Now, when he asks me what I want for Valentine’s Day, I am more likely to say, “Can you please replace the leaky faucet in the kitchen?”  And I will be very happy about it!  After all, acts of service are my top love language.  But hey, I am still enjoying the beautiful flowers my daughter purchased for me today!

What is your love language?  Do you and your special someone still do the ooey, gooey Valentine’s stuff?  If so, great!  Or have you gone all practical like me and my guy?  No matter how you celebrate, I hope your found ways of letting the people in your life know how much they mean to you; and in return, they expressed love and appreciation to you. 

Much love and appreciation to all of you! Happy Valentine’s Day!