A man could live in any kind of a house, so long as it kept the rain off of his head. But he couldn’t expect a woman to live that way, not if he had any real feeling for her.”
–Elmer Kelton (After the Bugles)
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
Genesis 2:24 (NLT)
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Here we go, Valentine’s Day. The day of diamonds (forbid), chocolate, and flowers. It’s not a day that I go overboard with to celebrate. I have always wondered about this day along with “cupids.” I figure that it should not be just one day a year, but it should be a lifestyle to be practiced.
Romantic? Sure, but that should be the norm. Perhaps at my age, maybe more nostalgic, but then what is romance? Is it that gushy, mushy feeling or is it something that is solid and stable? I was looking through some of my files for something that I could put on here for Valentine’s Day and came across the following.
“Some cowboys sat around a table
in a café close to here
jawin’ about the weather
and a horse that had not fear.
when one old puncher’s voice
broke in to recollect
how his wife set a table
and it made them all reflect.
on tablecloths and silverware,
fresh flowers in a vase
food prepared with loving care
n’ maybe saying grace.
Arturos’ wife could doctor cattle
then cook with little muss
Sam could see his wife fix stew
and how she made a fuss.
Bill could see his wife as her
hands placed fork and spoon
then in her sly way
asking, “Fixing coffee soon?”
Each thought of a special woman,
helping hold life together
a partner full of strength who
was gentle as a feather.
and how each day was special
at the beginning or the end
cause they could sit and eat,
and talk with their best friend.”
–Steve Dirksen
So I sit here and ponder some what makes my Valentine so special. I guess it’s being with her on a daily basis for almost 48 years. If I was with those cowboys at that café, I would have to bring up the wonder of her pies, how she enjoys doing things for others, like making me biscuits ‘n’ gravy or the way she prepares my eggs to get me ready for the day. But those last two verses are what all of us should be able to agree upon. My Valentine is what helps hold life together, full of strength. I think some of the special times were traveling with her as “shotgun,” or around a campfire, or just sitting any where together enjoying coffee.
Maybe I should throw in something mushy so I’ll close with the old song sang by Gene Autry and written by Scott Wiseman.
“Have I told you lately that I love you
Could I tell you once again somehow
Have I told, with all my heart an soul how I adore you?
Well, darlin’ I’m tellin’ you now.
My heart would break in two if I should lose you
It’s no good without you anyhow.
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, darlin’, I’m tellin’ you now.”