Valentine's Day
Back in the second grade I was seriously in love with a redhead. We were in the Catholic school where things like love between 2nd graders is seriously frowned upon.
Yet I distinctly remember Valentine's Day and wanting to get the object of my affection something nice. Problem was, I was in a financial dire straits.
My sister came to the rescue. Corinne handed me a necklace that she didn't particularly want, but she gave it to me out of a soft spot in her heart. I remember hugging her, and asking her to keep it our little secret. Corinne wasn't that nice. She let my brothers in on the secret and they rode me hard. Yet I didn't care - love would conquer all.
I remember hiding the pendant in my pocket, and slipping it into my lovely's Valentine. We were forced to give Valentine's to all class members, but there was no reason why I couldn't have one special one without anyone else knowing. Problem was, I slipped the package into my back pocket and one of my class members pickpocketed me, and read it in front of everyone.
The redhead laughed at my words of affection - right along with everyone else. I can't remember what I wrote, but it was something along the lines of "I love you - do you love me?"
The answer, of course, was a resounding "No!" She took the necklace, but I never saw her wear it. I wonder where that bitch is these days!
Just kidding - that first Valentine memory stayed with me for years. I can't say that I haven't spent a lot of money on the holiday. I've purchased candy and roses. I've handed out Valentine's that weren't reciprocated.
I think of all this as my kids ready for the Catholic school party later in the week - I wish them all the luck in the world - I'll make sure they keep their special Valentine in their front pocket.
A post-script to the story comes in the way of a conversation with my wife. "What should I get you for Valentine's Day?" I asked.
"Nothing," she responded. "If you get me something, don't expect anything in return."
Ah, just like old times.
Yet I distinctly remember Valentine's Day and wanting to get the object of my affection something nice. Problem was, I was in a financial dire straits.
My sister came to the rescue. Corinne handed me a necklace that she didn't particularly want, but she gave it to me out of a soft spot in her heart. I remember hugging her, and asking her to keep it our little secret. Corinne wasn't that nice. She let my brothers in on the secret and they rode me hard. Yet I didn't care - love would conquer all.
I remember hiding the pendant in my pocket, and slipping it into my lovely's Valentine. We were forced to give Valentine's to all class members, but there was no reason why I couldn't have one special one without anyone else knowing. Problem was, I slipped the package into my back pocket and one of my class members pickpocketed me, and read it in front of everyone.
The redhead laughed at my words of affection - right along with everyone else. I can't remember what I wrote, but it was something along the lines of "I love you - do you love me?"
The answer, of course, was a resounding "No!" She took the necklace, but I never saw her wear it. I wonder where that bitch is these days!
Just kidding - that first Valentine memory stayed with me for years. I can't say that I haven't spent a lot of money on the holiday. I've purchased candy and roses. I've handed out Valentine's that weren't reciprocated.
I think of all this as my kids ready for the Catholic school party later in the week - I wish them all the luck in the world - I'll make sure they keep their special Valentine in their front pocket.
A post-script to the story comes in the way of a conversation with my wife. "What should I get you for Valentine's Day?" I asked.
"Nothing," she responded. "If you get me something, don't expect anything in return."
Ah, just like old times.
Comments