Joe and I are going to celebrate Valentines Day this year for the first time in the history of our 44 years together. Neither of us ever liked the holiday and it's always seemed very, very contrived and (forgive me) very, very heterosexual. So. We just opted out. For me, I found Valentines painful as a child. I remember making up a box to put on my desk, just like all the other kids, and I worked hard to decorate it nicely. Then at home, I'd make up some Valentines and sneak them in my box so that it wouldn't have that horrid hollow sound. Wasn't a popular youngster was Mr. Me. I always did get a few from the kids who had 'you have to give one to everyone' parents. Back in those days, I don't know if they do now, when you bought Valentines cards there were always the cards specifically made for the losers - Happy Valentines Classmate! I got those. Yeah. Great. So adulthood came along, Joe came along and we simply ditched the holiday and decided it was kind of nice to be kind of nice year round.
Having Ruby and Sadie in our lives, though, has changed things up. It's a horrible thing to push your past hurts into the present ... and allow them to tarnish the excitement of little girls who love chocolate, and hearts, and pink, pink, pink, pink, pink. So I found it odd to be looking around for Valentines things for the kids. I found it odder that I was enjoying it, imagining them being excited. We had Valentines cookies the last time they were here to visit and we sent a Valentines gift box for them to open. Both of us were loving being able to create fun memories for the kids. It was great.
It was like life just decided to give me a 'do-over' and man, if I get a 'do-over' I'm gonna 'do-over' good.
Joe and I just got back from the pharmacy, where we know the pharmacist by name (Hi Doris) and while he was getting a med review, I knew I'd have lots of time. I headed over to the Valentines section and found a garish sign of the word LOVE. I decided I wanted to have a picture of us with the sign that we could send to friends, and of course the kids, and that I could put up here. So here it is ...
You should have seen Joe's face when I gave it to him to put with the stuff we bought. Vitamins, Immodium and LOVE were packed in the bag and off we left.
Ruby and Sadie are wonderful girls, we may have sent them a Valentines package but they gave us back Valentines Day.
So we wish you a happy and HEARTY Valentines Day.
What the hell ... HAPPY DO OVER day!
I hope you guys have a LOVEly do-over day. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm greatly enjoying the list: "Vitamins, Immodium and LOVE"
I've nothing against Valentine's Day, but I've missed it rather than hit it in recent years. (I have a lot of trouble getting things done in a timely manner absent continued reminders, and boyfriend isn't local.) This time I got it, though I don't know if the envelope will make it in time. I tend to go for sweet and silly around Valentine's and more thoughtful and romantic for anniversary. I sent boyfriend a short letter, two little Phineas&Ferb (Disney cartoon I introduced him to) cards like for school with associated temporary tattoos, and a washcloth patterned with conversation hearts. I'm glad I caught the day this time and got to have silly fun putting together the gift.
I'm glad the day is becoming something other than a horrible reminder. Today you are very loved. Have a good time and remember these days. Happy Valentine's, Dave and Joe. I'm sure you'll make a great do-over. :)
The "do-over" attitude is probably why folks love being grandparents so much. They get to do things with the kids with the wisdom of the years along side. I'm so glad that having the girls in your lives has allowed a bit of a "do-over" in your hearts - after all - valentine's day is about hearts, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about "pink" is a riot. Reminds me of my 3- and 4-year olds. They really love frilly pink dresses, dolls, cowgirl boots and horses, but also worms, trucks, snakes, June bugs, and frogs. Usually all at the same time. Valentine's Day--I have to admit that I proposed to my lovely wife on that day. Sometimes sappy is ok.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're finding a way to enjoy it this year! Shawen made a stack of valentines - about two inches tall - that he's taking to school today. None addressed. I think he's just going to pass them out like a salesman passes out business cards at a convention. None of them are addressed - he's just spreading the love to everyone - :-)
ReplyDeleteWe're not Valentine's people, although the culture has infiltrated our house - my youngest daughter got up early this morning to wish her Dad and me a Happy Valentine's Day, and when Ian put his shoes on to leave for work she cried, "Why are you going to work?? Isn't it Valentine's Day?!"
ReplyDeleteYes, dear. 1500 years as a feast day, but not a statutory holiday quite yet.
Okay, for the record, I don't find your Love sign garish, by Valentine's standards. In fact, it's quite subtle and understated. And I love the picture of you and Joe with the sign.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you've been given a do over! Enjoy!
Happy Do-over Day.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Nice pic and happy valentine's day!
ReplyDeleteGood Picture of you & Joe. My husband proposed on Valentine's 6 years ago! Happy "V" day all.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI loved celebrating Valentine's Day with our grandchildren this year. They were so happy with each little thing I had for them to do and enjoy. I am making new memories of Valentine's Day, and they are happy, happy ones .
ReplyDeleteI love so much in this. I love that you've reclaimed Valentine's Day and feel comfortable sharing your love with Joe publicly. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe nerdy side of me loves your list and the fact that you know your pharmacist by name. I'm a pharmacist, too, and it makes me happy when people know, partake of, and appreciate the service that a pharmacist can provide. *steps off soapbox* Thanks for the shoutout!