My best Valentine gift

MY VALENTINE’S Day ended with a bang. I still received flowers from my knight in shining armor. Peach roses, that is. And the day would not be complete without sumptuous food.

But before it made way to our tummies, I and my husband had to wait for an hour when we ordered it. Yup, you heard that right. But since we think that they are the most-sought-after restaurant during that day, all that we can do was grumble, mumble and consult the counter thrice. Blame it to their Chinese recipe. Now what?

Last Thursday’s celebration taught me a lot of lessons. On our way home, we were shocked to hear the driver bragging us for the nth time how he numerously referred some lovers to motels and pension houses. If I’m not mistaken, there were more than five couples who requested him to do so. At the back of my mind, my brain stems and cerebellum were doing the mathematics. Questions like, “How much motel owners are earning for a night?” “How many condoms and pills were sold from drugstores and convenience stores?” And “How many egg cells will be fertilized during V-day?” kept popping in my head. Interestingly, I began to think that maybe, I am a product of my parents’ intense emotions over Valentines during their time. I became a masterpiece in November 1979 so more or less, they crafted me on a February.

Second lesson I learned during Heart’s Day is when you think of going out like for an instance, having a dinner date, it is always best to have reservations ahead of time. I could just imagine people from all walks of like flooding the restaurants and food chains. For people who can afford, I am sure restaurants in Centrio and the strip of Rosario Arcade were all filled with diners. I can only imagine the young urban professionals who were also there to celebrate with their loved ones. Some will settle for the candlelit type while others content themselves with an acoustic band to listen to. For the less privileged, I saw how happy and satisfied they were eating kwek-kwek and proven along Divisoria streets.

Lastly, the most important lesson that I learned is to appreciate the small things that your loved ones give you. The most expensive bouquet of flowers nor the most stylish gift that you receive will not really matter if it is not given heartily. As they said, it’s the thought that counts.
I may not have the grandest bouquet, but the Valentines card my daughter gave me was the best gift that I got during Valentines. I saw the effort on how she probably cut the red cartolina into a heart-shape, not to mention the countless little hearts she drew for me.

My heart simply melted when she said, “Mommy, wala gyud ko nag copy sa board. Ako lang ang nagsulat sa I love you. Sorry ha your hearts are colored green and orange kay nahurot na gyud akong red crayon.”
So long St. Valentines and Cupid. Next year will be another Valentines to look forward. Now where are my peach roses? (Divorrah Estrada-Meneses)