After the Candy, Cards, Flower and Jewelry
This is Merrillee who is thinking about this day after Valentine's Day. The holiday meant for romance has become rather commercialized with the card, candy, jewelry and flower companies all vying for our money. So how do we show romance the other 364, or in the case of a leap year, 365 days of the year? I think romance sometimes comes down to the "little" thoughtful things we do for the people we love.
Here is a photo of an elevator, not the big fancy kind you find in hotels and office buildings, but the kind you might find in a small apartment building. This looks much like the elevator my daughter got stuck in while she lived in Boston. I'm mentioning this because I want to tell you about it as an illustration of doing things for the people we love. At the time, my daughter was dating a young man who spent a couple of hours talking to her through the closed door of the elevator until someone came to let her out. That fellow is now her husband.
You are probably wondering what the above image has to do with romance. I have another daughter, who has Crohn's disease, and she has a good number of medicines she must take in order to keep the disease in remission. Her sweet husband is faithful to remind her about taking her medicine, even when they were dating.
Here is an image of something we might associate with romance and Valentine's Day, but they can be a real delight when they are completely unexpected. My husband gave me a bouquet of red roses when I received a rejection on the first manuscript that I submitted to a publisher. What a special treat! Another bouquet of roses I'll never forget is the bouquet my kids gave me when I won the Golden Heart at RWA in 2003. They weren't at the ceremony because I didn't think there was a chance that I would win, but my husband called them. They were in NY just so the family could get together while I was there. They showed up at the conference hotel with a beautiful bouquet of orange roses that lasted for nearly two weeks even after traveling on a plane all the way from NY to Florida.
So here are some examples of every day things that on the surface don't spell romance, but they are all about love. Do you have a special memory or incident that spells romance to you? Tell us about it.
Labels: candy, cards, elevators, flowers, jewelry, medicine, roses, Valentine's Day
12 Comments:
At February 15, 2012 8:56 AM,
Jennifer said…
When my husband drives to a Drs. appointment for our boys or unexpectedly helps me with the cleaning of the lodge rooms, calling people and dealing with financial issues! This all means so much to me! Telling I'm still beautiful after having four boys, also means a lot. Dealing with my book issues! :):)
jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
At February 15, 2012 11:40 AM,
Jackie S. said…
Loved your stories, so sweet! I've had my sweet one 54 yrs.!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
At February 15, 2012 8:16 PM,
Merrillee said…
Jennifer, it is those things that help us that mean so much. Helping with cleaning is a big plus. :)
At February 15, 2012 8:17 PM,
Merrillee said…
Jackie, how wonderful that you've been together for 54 years!
At February 15, 2012 8:28 PM,
Jennifer said…
Jackie that's awesome! 54 yrs! Wow! So happy to see another marriage going strong! Prayed for your husband and for you! Congratulations!
At February 16, 2012 4:10 PM,
bas1chs said…
I used to work in a building with that same kind of mini-elevator - it was about three foot by three foot and got stuck with a friend once. Later I found out that he had made the elevator stop by slightly opening the gate (the safety measure to stop the lift). Grr. Unlike your story, we did not get married.
At February 17, 2012 4:00 PM,
Missy Tippens said…
Merrillee, what beautiful examples!
Instead of buying candy for my kids this year, I made them chocolate dipped strawberries and had them waiting when they got home from school. I think they loved something different and homemade!
Jennifer, your hubby sounds wonderful! And Jackie! 54 years is amazing. :)
At February 19, 2012 3:51 PM,
Cathy said…
18 years ago we had just bought a new home so my husband and I decided not to give each other Christmas or anniversary gifts. On our anniversary he brought out an expensive card. I felt awful because I had nothing for him - as promised. He said, "Let's both sign the card." We have signed that same card every year since. Tomorrow, Feb 20th, marks the 24th year of being married to my best friend. Cathy cscaviness@verizon.net
At February 20, 2012 9:44 AM,
Wendy Sparkes said…
Merrillee - love your stories!
Jennifer - you have a wonderful husband!
Jackie - Congratulations on the 54 years with your sweet one!
Cathy - How sweet! Congratulations on 24 years today!
At February 21, 2012 12:31 AM,
Walking in victory said…
Merillee, you made me laugh, chuckle and almost cry. I too had to take many medications simply to walk and function and unfortunately, I did not have someone beside me to tell that I needed them to keep going. What kept me striving forward was God. There is nothing impossible to God and therein lies the faith to believe that there is good in everyone.
Today, I walk in victory for God has blessed me with two new discs in my lower back giving me back what once was lost - the ability to walk in faith and trust in my Father.
When we trust God to work through others, especially those who follow in God's ways, He does the rest.
So for all of you out there who do not have someone physical to encourage you, God is always there to cheer you on! And mostly to tell you he loves and carries you when you hurt or are lonely.
The most amazing thing is that He has graced us with his Son and by His hand has created all we use to bless others.
Keep on writing Merrillee... your stories are warm, affectionate and honor God.
At February 21, 2012 10:23 AM,
beemama said…
What wonderful stories you ladies have shared.
My husband has some health issues that prevent him from working and make it necessary for me to do most of the things around the house. So when he looks at me and says call one of your friends and go have coffee, or sends me to town with our adult daughter who lives at home and helps with things just to get away for a little while, it makes me feel really special. Like he is as concerned for my health as I am for his. It's special!
Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(d0t)net
At February 23, 2012 6:12 PM,
Eve Lomoro said…
Hi Merrilee, It's been a long time since we spoke. You've shown wonderful examples of romantic love. Actually, today I wrote a piece about another kind of love. I'd "love" for you to check it out at evelomoro.blogspot.com
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