My Valentine

Back in my high school and college days, Valentine's Day was a holiday that I would just assume miss. Having never had a boyfriend, I didn't want the reminder pushed in my face of seeing girls getting a dozen roses, romantic cards being exchanged, or warm embraces seen from afar. Yes, I can look at people now in the same boat and Awwww at the sight of their joy, but then I was just a wee bit jealous. I had my very loving family, who always gave me candied hearts, and trinkets of love, but it wasn't the same. I longed for that person to truly love me for who I was and pour out their love for me in gifts, hugs, and kisses!!

I finally got my wish 9 years ago to the day. I had been dating for only weeks a young man that I had met through friends at a line dancing bar. We had a slow going start, but once we got started, love seemed to be soaring with flying colors. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks of pure joy, I was scheduled to leave for a semester away in New Mexico. My new romance was to either end, or begin as a long distance relationship. We decided to give it a go for the long distance part (even though we had only dated for a few weeks). I had been gone for only 2 weeks and my first Valentine's Day with a boyfriend was going to be spent apart. So much for the romantic dinner and hours of cuddling, I was going to spend it in a small room away from friends and family.

But to my surprise, I came home from dinner that Feb. 14th and found the most beautiful red dozen roses that I had ever seen! I had only known that man for a few short weeks, and yet he had a compassion for me that I had not even realized. It didn't matter that I was alone that night anymore. My thoughts were filled of him and my growing love for him.

A little over a year later, I married that man. He is my husband. He is a tender hearted, hard working, compassionate, dependable, at times stubborn, but loving man. He doesn't give me flowers very frequently anymore (which is fine), but he has never forgotten a Valentine's Day yet. His little gift of red roses is a reminder that he is still very much in love with me and that love will continue to grow. And I love him very much too.