Valentine's Day?

He Said.......


When I was a kid Valentine’s Day consisted of Dad running out at the last minute to the florist for flowers for mom and thrifty drugs (now Walgreens) to get some cards. He would come back through the garage to conceal his prize not knowing that his two kids and wife watched him walk up the driveway. Once we heard the garage door close I would rush to the kitchen while my mother and sister scurried to tv room to pretend as though we didn’t know he had gifts. He would whisper to me, “Come here, I need your help” which meant, “I bought some stuff to make your mama feel special”. I would always go along with it, I mean, it’s my Dad, what was I supposed to do. Upon entering the garage he would hand me a chocolate rabbit and a card and say…”I love you son, now put that down and help me carry this stuff to your mother and sister.” I appreciated the card and would follow his instructions.

As I got older and participated in my own romantic relationships, I thought that the holiday wasn’t about me it was about the girl/woman I was with and making her happy. I would get the most expensive gifts, plan evenings filled with romantic settings and googly eyes, and just hope to get some out of the deal. Most of the time, it never worked out in my favor. So I decided I wouldn’t celebrate it anymore. I would humor my father, by still coming to the house to give my mom and sister the flowers but I didn’t have to do squat for anyone else. In fact, on one occasion I dated three or four girls in the same night, happy V-day to me. J

But marriage is different. Marriage is a partnership, a union where you both fight the good fight each and everyday, just to make life better for the both of you. So why not take one day out of the year to recognize your partner for their efforts. I guess I came to that conclusion two years ago. My wife requested that I buy her flowers because she wanted to feel the feeling that other women had a work. Now, at the time V-day was for suckas so I said no. Plus, I don’t believe in asking for gifts, what kinda nonsense is that? But I digress…..

After sitting at my desk thinking about the love I share with my wife, I decided to send her those flowers just to say, “Hey, I appreciate you for who you are”. Ever since then, regardless of my past experiences on February 14th, I am thankful because without them I wouldn’t be able to appreciate my wife. She is my One love who I can share this one Life with. So as I lay in the Embassy Suites in Center City, I will give all I can to tell my wife thank you for choosing to ride this ride with me.

Ron helped me to understand that we all deserve love, we all deserve life and I love him for that. I will never forget the moments we shared, the laughs, the arguments, and knowledge that he passed onto me. He is an eternal friend, I will see you someday Ron. God bless.