The next few minutes before bedtime were spent addressing
the tiny envelopes that accompanied the cards your mom had bought for you to
hand out. There was a science to this. You started with the most special
friends. They got the biggest, or the cutest cards. The ones that said
“Valentine, you’re the best”. The rest, those that just said “Be Mine” or “Have
Fun” went to the kids you rarely gave a second glance. As long as each name got
checked off the list. No-one was left out of our elementary school Valentine’s
Day.
Most February Fourteenths in high school passed with only
cards from our parents or siblings. I do, however, remember a stuffed purple
elephant that came from a boy I admired. I Wonder what happened to that guy? He
probably found someone who appreciated his tender, if unconventional efforts to
share his heart.
After finding my true love, I set out to impress him,
especially on Cupid’s favorite day. One year, my sister and I both decided to
make our way to a man’s heart via his stomach. We prepared a supper of
spaghetti, French bread and salad. I suppose these dishes were successful, but
the most memorable part of the meal was the dessert. I fashioned a heart-shaped
cake by making one layer in a square pan, and another in a round one. When the
timer signaled that the cakes were done, I allowed them to cool, then sliced
the circle in half, and placed the pieces just so against the square that had
been turned to look like a diamond. Voila, a heart ready for strawberry icing.
While we prepared the table, this masterpiece was doing its own settling. Just
before I brought it to the table, I noticed that one side of the heart was
sagging, creating a jagged crack. Undaunted, I filled the crevice with the
red-hot cinnamon candies I’d purchased to decorate the cake. I can’t vouch for
my sister’s date, but mine still reminds me of this creation thirty some odd
years later.
After we said “I do”, and children were added to the
household, my circle of Valentine recipients widened again. I made sure that
each of the kids had a little something from Mom along with the cards they were
taking to their schoolmates. Somewhere in a box in our attic are three
hand-sewed heart shaped pillows made from valentiney material and trimmed with
lace. These treasures had an honored spot on their beds when they were living
at home, and I’m sure they prompted some pretty good pillow fights after Mom
and Dad’s bedroom lights were turned out.
When our nest began to empty, boxes of cards and candy were
mailed to dorm rooms and newlywed homes. I even discovered that I could pack
freshly-baked brownies in a Tupperware container, and pack it securely for a
trip to another corner of the state. Miraculously, these dishes always seemed
to come back to me for refilling.
Grandkids added to the excitement, and I began looking for
brightly colored cards that said “With love from Granny and Grandpa”. Mailing
something was not nearly as good as those in-person hugs and smiles from
chocolate covered faces. With these new additions to the family, I began to
realize that Valentine’s Day could last all year long.
This year, we plan to spend time with two of those grands
while their parents take advantage of a rare date night together. Grandpa and I
will push back our celebration to the next night, when it is my turn to come up
with a gourmet meal.
The important thing? Don’t forget to acknowledge those you
love. Whether it’s a home cooked meal, a sappy card or silly gift, remembering
is the whole point. Hearts are made for sharing, whether they are made from
calico and lace, or drippy icing with red-hot candies. Giving warms your
insides, and the memories last a lifetime.
