Happy Valentine's Day! This is what I gave The Child today in hopes that he will be my Valentine. Yesterday was ridiculously busy- I didn't have time to go shopping for candy, heaven knows, but I wanted to uphold a tradition of my late mother's. She always gave me a very special Valentine's Day treat- usually from a world class chocolatier in Manhattan. Even during my ridiculously self-absorbed teenage years I was aware of (and possibly even appreciative of, as much as a teen can be) the effort she went through to make me feel special on this day of romance.
On Valentine's Days it's my mother whom I remember, rather than any of the various boyfriends who have paraded through my life. I suspect that my mother knew a thing or two about finding ways to feel validated without a partner. Even though she was married, my father cheated on her throughout her marriage, which infuriated me since the age of 8. (My mother was beautiful, smart and caring- why on earth did he have to do that????) So my mother, perhaps unwittingly, taught me to find alternatives to the validation that often comes from a partner.
During my college years, I joined 2 female friends in a Lonely Heart's Club which only existed on February 14 of each year. We Lonely Hearts celebrated Valentine's Day by snarfing down hot fudge sundaes at a cute little ice cream parlor, where, appropriately, we were always the only customers. Somehow, I think this club was a nod to my mother, who, as I said, taught me alternatives.
Just now, as I was writing this post, the doorbell rang. Much to my shock, these flowers were delivered to me from my favorite florist, sent by my friend Garnet, who managed to find flowers in all of my favorite colors. With friends like this, who needs a boyfriend?
So tonight, all the people in town who are lucky enough to A) have a partner and B) have reservations will enjoy dinner at one of the city's many fine restaurants. I will most likely be indulging in Papa John's thin crust, cheese only, with The Child while watching a murder mystery on TV. On top of the TV will be my bouquet from Garnet.
And I'm not complaining.
11 comments:
I see nothing to complain about. Your life is full with memories, values, healthy attitudes, good friends, and The Child.
Happy Valentine's Day, Betty.
Dear Lynilu,
I like the way you put it. Things are good in whirlingbettyland, indeed.
I hope yourValentine's Day is happy too!
Hugs,
Betty
Your mother did NOT deserve what your father did to her, and she was a smart woman to teach you alternatives, Betty !
Your son is so lucky to have you...
You're giving him such wonderful
memories that he will pass on :)
I got Josh a little box of
chocolates and a card...I gave
the hubby a card...I...got left
alone...Which was fine by me...
HAPPY BELATED VALENTINES!!!!!!!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Annie,
You're so right about my mother being smart to teach me alternatives. She and my grandmother used to say "there's more than one way to skin a cat!"
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Laurie,
Your son is lucky to have you, too, and that's the highest compliment a mother can receive! Thank you.
Hugs,
Betty
Glad that you are not complaining... i've spend many and varied Valentines Days... I wish you and the child a VERY happy belated Valentines Day Betty!
Dear Patti,
Mine have been quite varies as well. This was one of the better ones, even without romance!
Hugs,
Betty
I'd rather have pizza with a nice kid than anything else in the world on Valentine's Day. I do think you are a lucky one. It's getting closer to the end of the month and my only boy is coming to Florida for a visit this weekend with his darling wife. The only better thing would be if I had my two daughters, too. Oh, well.....
Dear Kacey,
It's so good to see you again! I was worried about you...And you're right- I am lucky!
Hugs,
Betty
Just came by to say hello to you Betty - and to see how you and the Child are doing, and what is new.
I miss not seeing your posts !
((hugs))
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