I was texting a friend I’ve known for nearly 20 years who lives in Kingston. She still lived in the same house she always had even after a nasty divorce from her husband. I had known both of them and attended their wedding. I thought they were the perfect couple but something obviously went wrong. I had heard he had begun to stray.
After the dust settled Sherry had bought his share of the house and gained custody of their son.
Sherry was definitely in an upbeat mood when I texted until I couldn’t resist asking what was going on. She had always been vibrant and easy to talk to. It was the day after Valentine’s.
She said, “My heart is still pounding. I had a date last night, not just any date, though. A Valentine’s Day date. His name is James, handsome and a perfect gentleman with a big heart. He works at the local butchery and I’ve seen him a there thousand times but never imagined him in this way. We dined at the “Glass House” for a perfect dinner then partied until late dancing our feet off.
It was four years since the divorce. I knew Sherry had a few dates during that time but none panned out. I hoped for her sake this was the one that caught fire and stayed in her veins. I wondered if she was still a cracker with her curly brown hair always on the go, full of fun and vigor.
Her 12-year-old son could probably use a father-figure in his stage of his life. Jeremy had always felt threatened when Mom was on a date and would engage in a conversation about his feelings of losing her.
The evening before while waiting in nerve-wracking anticipation the doorbell chimed, and I heard my son shouting, “Mom, he’s here!” from the other end of the house.
Hurrying down the hall I gasped when I opened the door to find James, his arms loaded with gift bags, cards, candy, flowers and balloons.
“Here you go,” he had said, handing me a bag and a bouquet. “These are for you. Happy Valentine’s Day.” He followed me into the kitchen. I reached for a vase for the flowers. James turned to Jeremy, who was watching us from the doorway. “These,” he said, holding out another gift bag and balloons, “are for you.”
“When Jeremy smiled, right then, I knew that this might go well indeed. Because James cared not only for my heart but for my sons too.” Sherry seemed really happy and I said, “I’m so glad for you, especially the timing of Valentines of all things.”
Later I thought of all the Valentine’s Days I had. One was still prominent in my mind. It was at the Grade three/four class at the Westmeath Public School. Sheila loved giving cards for any reason. Valentine’s was no exception: Everyone received a card except me.
I didn’t really mind but when I mentioned it at home my mother took action and telephoned her mother. The next a day after school I was delivered a beautiful card. On it was written, “Sorry I missed you.”
Afterwards I recalled that Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14th. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring two early Christian martyrs both named Saint Valentine. Through time as a folk tradition, it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
Then it was time for my surprise. The first Valentine’s Day after we were going steady, Sheila arranged an evening out. She drove and I was to go along without any questioning. When we arrived at a hotel, she went to the desk to inquire about a reservation. The reservation was for the best room in the place that comprised a spa and a fireplace – very romantic.
I was so impressed with my gift that I will never bring up again the grade 3 valentine card oversight.
