adelheid_p | Musings on Valentine's Day (Reply)

A recent NPR commentary on florists and Valentine's Day got me thinking that I'm glad I don't expect flowers on February 14th. In fact, if I get flowers, it's not from my husband. First, let me explain. He's not a selfish pig at all. In fact, I cherish the surprises he give me because they are not expected. My favorite Valentine's Day gift happened more because of timing than because of the day. We had just bought our house and he was pulling up the carpet in the dining room and kitchen (yes carpeted kitchen, ick!) and found some hardwood floors in need of attention. My Valentine's Day gift was refinished hard wood floors in my kitchen! They're still beautiful and because it was unexpected and not dependent on a designated day of the year, it remains a reminder of his love for me. I never know when he'll come home with a bag or a box will arrive on the porch and he'll pull out something I had on my Amazon wish list or had mentioned that I'd really like to have. Again, because these things are not expected and truly surprises they are even more special than the obligatory dozen long-stemmed roses delivered the same day each year would ever be. I'm not going to get mad just becaue he forgets some special date because what I get the rest of the year more than makes up for that.