When we entered our teens, the puppy love celebration usually included stuffed animals, mushy letters full of misguided empty promises, and a heart shaped box of chocolates. We were thrilled beyond words and would live, eat, and breath the memories for weeks to come.

As we moved into young adulthood, it became less about what was cute, and more about what we could gloat over our coworkers the next day. Then we actually met our true love. Each year we would pray for the obvious lump in his coat pocket that indicated the presence of a ring box. No matter how much he spent, or the considerable planning he went through to give us a special, romantic evening, if there was no ring, it was all for not. <continued below>

Do you remember the first Valentine’s celebration you and your hubby shared as a married couple? Most of us had to discuss and budget for weeks. Leaving for the restaurant that night, we noticed every star and marveled at the beauty of the moon. Holding hands over the table, we gazed into each others eyes. As we headed out the door, we complimented the staff at the quality of the food - Big Macs had never tasted quite so good . . .

Five years later, you slam the receiver down on his ear. Another Valentines spent at home, ordering pizzas. Whatever happened to all the sweet nothings he whispered in your ear eight years ago? The pressures of mortgages, school tuition, and taxes have burdened your husband to the point he has to pinch every dime - you only wish he had enough energy left to pinch your butt once in awhile . . . If only we could flash ahead thirty years . . .

Looking in the mirror, you are pleasantly surprised at how kind the years have been to you. As you are smoothing a moisturizer over the tiny crow’s feet around your eyes, your white haired husband comes up from behind and gives you a little squeeze. "Not bad looking for an old broad of sixty," he teases. "Hurry up and I'll go warm up the car. Don't primp too long..."

Your new pearls go wonderfully with your favorite sweater. "What a romantic old coot," you muse to yourself. Glancing at the clock, you realize you had better run. Dinner reservations won’t be held if you're late. Grabbing the gift bags you filled at the dollar store, you run out the door. "I can hardly wait to see my darling grandchildren . . . I do hope my baby Suzie and her husband will have a special evening out away from their kids. Since we’ve retired, we travel so much it’s not often that we are free to babysit..."

Remember girls, it is just a day. Don't sweat it if you aren't celebrating with a dozen roses at a five star restaurant. Light a candle and hold each other for a while. This Valentine’s day, if you love your hubby and he loves you, your heart should be full and overflowing!

Copyright 2001 Hope Forrest. Visit her site. Comments? Hope would love to hear from you! Email the author