In almost every person’s life there is a “that one”. That one who makes your heart race, and makes you feel like you are going out of your mind. Some may call it hormones or infatuation or even love. And yes, it makes you do crazy things. A lot of the time “that one” doesn’t even notice.
That’s why Valentine’s Day was always special to me. It allowed me to do things that normally would have been seen as too much or just plain crazy.
For example, when I was working at CINI-FM in Mistissini during my 20s, I would often go to Chibougamau for the weekends. Yes, some weekends were spent fishing, hunting, cutting wood or working on the car. But I had a sweet thing on my weekends in Chibougamau. A friend of mine rented out her spare room for $25 per weekend, which saved me from drinking and driving and no doubt an accident or two.
Whilst in Chibougamau I met a nice girl. We got along fine and then Valentine’s Day was just around the corner. I told this sweetheart that she would be getting a special gift from yours truly. The day arrived and I employed a couple friends (who may have had a drink or two) to help me out. They delivered a huge box to her place. Then, wearing an all-white tux with matching fuchsia and polka-dot cummerbund and bowtie, I popped out of the box. Between my teeth was a red rose and in my hands were two blue crystal wine glasses and a bottle of vino.
She laughed her head off… and so did her whole family. Did I mention that she lived with her parents and her dad was a sergeant in the local police force? But no problem. Daddy was impressed that someone would go to such lengths for his little angel.
Sometimes, that big effort pays off. Though I caution you Romeos that sometimes it does not. But I’ve never worried too much about the speedbumps on the road of love.
Continuing my escapades later in life, I convinced a band to join me on one of my Valentine romps. With the approval of her boss, I went to the girl’s workplace and prepared a table while the band got set up. I had a nice meal brought in and the band played her favourite song. She entered the room with a startled look that changed to a huge smile. Her co-workers loved it almost as much as she did.
You don’t have to go that far… unless you want to. Flowers are always nice and have the benefit of being around for a week or so. During that week she’ll be looking at them and thinking of you fondly.
If you choose to give roses, look up online how to make rose beads. It’s easy and they are used in dresser drawers to make things smell good, ensuring even longer that your loved one knows that they are “that one.”
Happy Valentine’s Day, and may your love be shared in the best spirit of your imagination.