Simple Valentine’s gifts are best
By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom’s Corner
One day just before Valentine’s Day several years ago our Sunday School teacher lined husbands and wives up facing one another.
Then the teacher asked us, “What is the one thing that your husband has either given you or done for you that made you feel the most loved?”
As the teacher went down the line, the answers varied. Many said things like, “The day my husband asked me to marry him.” or “When my husband bought me _______.” Usually the blank was filled in with some expensive item that involved diamonds.
When the teacher got to me I smiled and said, “Every time he lets me take an uninterrupted bubble bath!”
The class broke out laughing. I was serious.
At the time we were foster parents and had anywhere between five and seven children under the age of 11. Even if it had been possible, I wouldn’t have traded an uninterrupted bubble bath for a diamond bracelet.
I was surrounded by constant demands for my attention. I rarely got to go to the bathroom without some little person trying to get in, let alone managing even a short uninterrupted shower.
That was when I began the habit of getting up early to shower, put on makeup and get dressed before John left for work. The idea of 20 minutes alone in a bubble bath was a dream come true!
Another year for Valentine’s Day, I planned a surprise overnight get-away. I actually planned it a month or so in advance.
I kept my eyes open for hotel coupons and I hired a college friend to stay with the children overnight. John had been working terribly long days, as well as most weekends.
Our little get-away was a welcome respite from the “daily grind.”
Valentine’s Day to me is not just a day to remember our sweethearts. I try to do something special for my children. I usually try to have a special dinner ready. One of my children’s favorites is “make your own pizza” along with a special dessert.
I knew one mom in Kentucky that made a point of decorating her dining room for Valentine’s Day. Next, she put a special treat on each child’s plate along with a note telling the child why she or he was special to her.
However, how about a friend that’s going through a difficult time or is just overwhelmed with life? Do you know someone who is so busy they don’t feel they even have time to sneeze? Valentine’s Day is a super time to let them know you haven’t forgotten them.
A friend of mine in Kentucky knew I was really stressed out after John moved to Alabama. I was left alone with six children ages four months to 14 years and a house to sell.
One Wednesday night after church, this dear woman pulled me to the side and said that she and the others that had prepared the Wednesday night dinner had packaged all the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator for me.
The dear woman couldn’t have done anything nicer for me!
I encourage you to take time this Valentine’s Day to let, not just your sweetheart know you love and appreciate him or her, but to take the time to let other special people in your life know you care for them, too.
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