Valentine Stories

The rose is red, the violet’s blue,
The honey’s sweet, and so are you.
Thou are my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou’d be you. 
(From Gammer Gurton’s Garland, a 1784 collection of English nursery rhymes)

I always have fun when I send out a newsletter and hear back from so many of you readers. It’s an extra bonus when you share a little about yourself or share a story with me. This time it was Valentine stories. Here is a sampling of them that cover sweetheart stories, family stories, and handing out happy Valentines to bring a few smiles.

First I’ll share a sweet and unique romance story from Judi.

My Valentine story is rather unique.  At least, I think so. My Daddy was pastor of a large church and every year we had a big “Sweetheart Banquet.” It was for ages 10 and up. A young man in our church called and asked me to go. I said, “yes” and was SO excited for my first “date.” I was 11 and he was 13.  My mama made me a beautiful pink formal and fixed my hair.  I was allowed a little lipstick and some blush.

The big night came and my date came to the door. He gave me a corsage and off we went. We had a wonderful time. No romance, of course, but friends.

But, here’s the unique part. After several years, and going in different directions, we reconnected. We’ll celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in March of this year. But, we also celebrate our first “date” every Valentine’s Day…63 years this year!

That was finding your true love young, Judi, even if it did take you a few years to realize it. 🙂 Now, here are some special ways Debbie and Robin’s sweetie found ways to say “I love you.”

First let’s hear about Debbie’s one of a kind Valentine for her husband.

I think Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. I’ve loved the surprises I’ve gotten over the years, but I love to give them, as well. I’ve made three music videos for John as his Valentine’s gift. (Me singing) One was goofy, but the other two more serious. I’m not the best singer, I hit a few sharps and flats, lol, but he still loved them.

And then Robin’s surprise Valentine from her husband that made her smile.

The Valentine I remember most was when I was pregnant with my son. My husband and I were young and in school. I worked at a day care and came home after work to my favorite movie ready to play. An aroma of yummy foods but the shocking part was the entire living room was wall to wall red balloons. He must have made 10 trips to the dollar tree for the balloons.

But you know I’ve never thought Valentine’s Day was only for sweethearts. Em found a way to make it special for some of her single friends.

Here’s my story: One year, I knew a bunch of single girlfriends without any plans for Valentine’s Day. So, I decided to hold a Galentine’s party for them. We painted our nails, did face  masks, ate pizza and ice cream while watching a chick flick together. As a party favor gift, I gave them each a card with a rhyme on it to remind them how much God loved them, accompanied by a rose for each of them. This was such a sweet time with some of my single girlfriends.

And it can be a great day to let your kids know how much you love them with special treats and words. Alisa planned to do that in a sweet way this year.

I love Valentine’s Day with my kids. This year I am making a heart each day for each of them (I have three kids) that tells them something they are good at. We also celebrate with heart shaped pizza and heart shaped chocolate cake, as well as make lots of Valentine crafts and make heart shaped Valentine cookies during the week before.

Laura has a great tradition of fun with her kids.

I think I love Valentine’s Day so much because of a tradition I started years ago with my sons. I purchased those little metal mailboxes from Target, and starting on February 1st I put a little something in them for the boys to find each day. Sometimes it is a little treat, or a little cheap toy like a slinky or bouncy ball, sometimes it is a note or bible verse with stickers. The boys love it, and I love receiving things back from them, like a thank you note or drawing. 

And why not share a little love with the random people you meet on Valentine’s Day the way Ashley did.

I have always loved Valentine’s Day! It is so fun to let the people you love know that you love them a little extra on this day. In college I would walk around and hand random people a laffy taffy valentine and say Happy Valentine’s day! It’s so fun to brighten a day!

It is good to brighten another person’s day and in the process you generally feel happier too. Last we have a smile from Sharon.

Quite a few years ago when my son was around six we were coming back from the store on Valentines Day. When we got home there was a clear plastic box with a dozen red roses on the front porch. My son wanted to know who the flowers were from. I told him that daddy sent them. His reply was—“What did daddy do wrong?” (He had no idea what Valentines Day was.)

I hope these stories brightened your day. Thanks to them for sharing their stories and you for reading them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

What would be your favorite Valentine Day gift? Candy? Roses? Maybe a book? 

(Let me know if you didn’t get my newsletter and I’ll send one out to you so you can enter my Valentine month giveaway and maybe win a book and a box of candy.)