The Romantic.com

NOT JUST FEBRUARY 14

submitted by: Mark Hughes

Two years ago I decided to stretch Valentine’s Day out all year long. After cutting out 365 pink, red and white hearts from copy paper, I set out on the daunting yet loving task of placing a special message on each one. 

Some were scripture notes from the Bible to give encouragement or verses that were special to me and by wife. Some were date notes: movie of your choice, dinner out, dinner fixed by me, a drive to the beach, etc. Some were chore or help notes: I do the dishes for a week, I’ll clean the bathrooms, I’ll watch the baby this weekend, etc. And some were sweet nothings: back rub, take a long bath, take a nap while I take the baby, let’s look at our wedding photos and reminisce…

Once all the hearts had a message, each was folded and placed in a large jar decorated with appropriate Valentine’s colors and shapes. I wrapped her special gift, which she opened and then placed on the counter where she could reach for each day’s note, to be used at her discretion. It has been a simple yet wonderful way to keep us aware of each others needs.