Our Valentine's Snowy Days story

The snow on Valentine's Day proved to be very reminiscent for me. As I watched the snow fall outside my window, my mind led me down the road of memories into past snowfalls and Valentine Days.

To this day I remember the first Valentine's Day card I received. I was in first grade, and he was my first boyfriend. Of course, all these years later I cannot remember his name - only his face. I remember his shy smile as he handed me that home-made card and I remember the way I felt...

One year, while in middle school, my parents sent flowers to me at the school. They were beautiful flowers! Although I loved them, I was embarrassed to tell any one that they were from my parents. I made up an older boyfriend in high school, and told everyone they were from him.

I remember candy hearts with messages. While, cute - I never did like them. I always thought they tasted like chalk.

I always try to wear red on Valentine's day. I suppose that started when I was young, and my mother would dress me in pink & red. It stayed with me as a traditional all these years.

As I grew older, the thrill of the day wore off, as happens when we lose the innocence of childhood. I still celebrated the day with my husband, later in my years. Sometimes we would go out for dinner. When the kids were at home, we would put them to bed early, order in some food, and have a nice meal together. Sometimes we'd watch a movie.

I remember a few of the presents I received from my husband. Usually he'd give me flowers or a box of chocolates. One year, I received a stuffed pig holding a heart! If money was good, I'd sometimes get jewelry from him.

My two favorite songs for Valentine's day are "Let me call you sweetheart" and "You are my sunshine". These were songs I sang to my children when they were babies, and songs that my husband and I would sing to one another.

I am snowed in this year; stuck behind a window, watching the snow fall and icicles form from the eaves. I can't remember another Valentine's day when it snowed, but I know there must have been a few. February is always the coldest month, as far back as I can remember.

I do remember other snows of my youth. How much differently we viewed the snow when we were young! Sledding, snowfall fights, building snowmen and forts... what fun! We never felt cold, running around with our friends; we never wanted to go inside!

Now, snow is more of a hassle than a treat. We have to worry about driving and schools being closed and having enough groceries... Of course, when I was a kid we did not have snow days. The schools did not close for the snow. We still attended. And, yes, we walked.