Valentine's Day

When I think of Valentine’s Day, all kinds of thoughts and emotions come to me. One of the fondest memories I have is watching my dad bring my mom a box of chocolates with a pinch on the butt (like he would do every night when he came home.)


When I was in the sixth grade, there was a boy that all the girls took turns liking. He was like a brother to me but I thought I would take my turn. So for Valentine’s Day I gave him a special card. It did not go the way I had anticipated. I watched him read it and then throw it in the garbage. I was crushed. That night my dad came home with the biggest, prettiest pink heart-shaped box of chocolates that I had ever seen. We ate a nice dinner and then sat around the TV, eating the chocolates. Later that night, we received a phone call letting us know that dad’s mother, whom had been at a Valentine’s party, got up to get her dish, collapsed, and died. Coupled with the rejection of my card, this had become one of the worst days of my life. I was very close with my Grandmother and I took it hard. However, now on Valentine’s Day I think about her and the love that I have for her. I made my mind up that Valentine’s Day would be a very special day. I love thinking about my mom and dad and the love that they showed for each other and the love for each their children.


I wished that my children would also feel the wonderful emotions of this special day. Alas, they all HATE this day. Instead of a day filled with love it became a heartache day for each of them. I would send them flowers and chocolates because they knew it was from me and not from someone "special" like they had wanted. Valentine’s Day around Arco, Id is CRAZY!! I have worked at the school on many Valentine’s Days and you would not believe all the things that were delivered to the school. Although there were only 130 kids in the school, there would be at least 300 or more gifts delivered to the kids. CRAZY!!! My kids would beg to stay home or to work on this day.


With all my heart I love my family and all the friends that I have had in my life. Each one has touched me in their special way. So for today I would like to say "Thanks and I hope that love will come your way." I would like to also say, "I love the Gospel and the knowledge that I will always have my family with me forever.

That is real LOVE.