Preparing For Love

The ritual of exchanging love in elementary school has changed little over the years. During our SMF days the requirements for a Happy Valentine’s Day were as such:

·        One shoe box decorated for the occasion

·        Valentines for each classmate

·        Sweets to be shared

A weeks’ preparation was usually sufficient to search the house and closets for a spare shoebox. Construction and tissue paper in pinks and reds, glue, tape, paper doilies and a little imagination would do the trick. A quick scramble through the magazine rack for Woman’s Day or Family Circle for a quick perusal for the latest valentine inspirations on their covers didn’t hurt! Maybe an extra button, bow, lace or strand of yarn with a bit of glitter would add the extra touch to be more unique than last year’s box. One large slit in the top and the box is ready for the valentine delivery.

The anticipation for card exchange was always great. There was always the excitement of a different routine from classes, but this had more to it. We got to get up from our desks and walk around the room delivering our Palmer Method signed cards to each student….personal mail delivery with lots of giggles and winks. Goodies such as cupcakes, candies, and ‘NECCO Sweethearts’ with phrases of love were lined across our teacher’s desk with napkins for us to partake upon completion of our valentine delivery. It was a true departure from routine and filled with all the sweetness you could fill an afternoon with. Valentine’s Day was great. We would steal a quick look through the box to see if there was a specially chosen card just for us. The anticipation of going home and reviewing each card could barely be contained. This a true delight to hopefully be enjoyed before doing homework.

Sometimes a very unique card would show up…sometimes one unsigned…from a secret admirer!!! Even as kids, we understood the anticipation and unlimited possibilities of the exchange of love. Colorful cards, sweets, words expressed and those words yet to be shared in the future all brought such joy and high hopes for the next year. It was well worth the effort. We knew it then, we long for it still, and we share it with our children and grandchildren. Preparing for love doesn’t take that much effort after all. It seems to be the natural order of things.

Cathy