The day of love has flown by yet again. Can you believe it?

***

So, what did you do for Valentine’s Day? Do tell.

***

I remember my favorite Valentine’s day story. It was February 14th, 1996.

I was huddled over a Star Wars puzzle waiting for my sweet boyfriend to show up. He had a monster exam the next day, so I was stuck at home on Valentine’s Day killing time until he could take a study break and come visit me.

I got the call that he was on his way. I beamed with excitement despite the fact that it would be a short visit since it was only a study break.

Blasted exams. There should be a rule, no exams the day after a major holiday **smile**

So, he shows up and saunters over to the little boom box I had in my tiny apartment. Seriously, it was like 600 sq foot apartment.

He pops in a CD.

I’m like, “Whatchya doin’?”

“Oh, just putting it on a good song.”

Soon Mariah Carey’s, “Anytime You Need a Friend” started flowing through the tiny speakers. I knew that was one of his favorite songs mostly because I liked Mariah Carey.

“Hey, let’s dance.”

Ok, now this was gettin’ weird. But I brushed the thought aside. He was just trying to be romantic on Valentine’s Day, right?

So, we’re swaying to the soft music, and after a bit he slows us to a stop. I look up and he descended onto one knee.

I almost fell over.

He raised a tiny, opened box toward me. I saw a diamond sparkle and immediately gasped. My hands cupped my cheeks. I think they were on fire.

He nodded and said the most wonderful words my ears have ever heard, “Will you marry me?”

I don’t remember my exact response, but I know “yes” was involved.

He slid the precious ring over my knuckle and it felt so natural, just like saying yes to spending the rest of time with him.

“Oh, and the diamond is from my mom’s engagement ring,” he said. “We just picked out a different setting.”

That did it. I bawled.

To have such a strong momento of love on my finger, and from a marriage that had already flown past the two decade mark, I was honored.

***

So, 13.5 years of marriage later….the love story continues.

***