Every week, there is a “poll” in the church bulletin. I think it’s just to see if anyone is paying attention because I don’t know how many are actually turned in. Today, the question was “When you think of Valentine’s Day, would you say…
- It is the most special day to love my significant other.
- It serves a purpose, but isn’t that important.
- It sells cards, but otherwise doesn’t mean much.
I think Valentine’s Day is really a Hallmark holiday, designed to be guilt inducing if you don’t spend money on your special person, but it works for me. I love getting flowers and going out to eat, reading a card that says sweet/funny things about our relationship. And I love the flip side of that, finding the right card and something sweet to give. Wouldn’t you think we’d have outgrown that sort of thing after 55 years of marriage? We haven’t and I hope we never do!
One of the things that makes us stand out in a crowd is that most days except Sunday or other dress up occasions, we wear matching shirts. These days, our masks match as well, or at least they do if we pick up the matching ones. The convenience store where we pick up fountain drinks has all new customer service people this year and two of them now recognize us as soon as we walk in. At first, they would say “You have the same shirts! Did you mean to do that?” And later they’d say “Do you always match?” Now they’ve picked up a trend and they notice that the masks are part of the outfit, too. It makes them smile and it makes us smile that we are recognized. I’m not thrilled when some sweet young thing says “Oh, that’s so cute!” That makes me feel like they really meant “Oh, those old people are so cute!” Not good! However, we still hold hands on the sidewalk (and not just to hold each other up or keep from getting lost.) I’m still crazy about the guy! Happy Valentine’s Day, LeRoy!
