On Crystal’s first Valentine’s Day as a wife . . .
She was twenty years old.
Still a kid in many ways – she was excited to imagine what Sir Beads would present to her for the occasion.
A satin heart with chocolates? A bouquet of flowers? A piece of costume jewelry? Her heart fluttered with anticipation.
Sir Beads was a very thoughtful gentleman – right from the start – but I think he would definitely agree he guessed wrong that first year. He did have the best of intentions. But as most men who are honest will admit, he was feeling a little stressed about finding the right gift.
He decided to go to a large department store in downtown Boston to search. Within a few moments, he spied a colorful display of kitchen gadgets and, somehow, they mesmerized him! They seemed so practical for a young bride. He was sure she would be thrilled with a selection of kitchen helpers! He spent considerable time looking at all of them and choosing three that he liked best.
Fast forward to evening. After dinner, he joyfully, and with a bit of a flourish, offered his assortment of household treasures to her. As she unwrapped them one by one, she became wide-eyed . . . speechless actually!
He sensed she was not delighted. She tried her best not to pout . . . to be appreciative. It was no use. She couldn’t help but exclaim:
“A pot holder, a can opener, and a one-egg frying pan – for Valentine’s Day?”
Tears followed, briefly. (Remember, I said she was still a kid!) Sir Beads was stunned. Within minutes, all was well, however. She dried her tears and tried to explain . . .
“It’s just that a girl dreams of a romantic gift on a romantic holiday . . .”
Forty years later, Crystal would tell you that ever since that day, she has been spoiled beyond belief by Sir Beads on every occasion and also on days that are no occasion.
She and Sir Beads look back on that first Valentine’s Day and can’t help but laugh. Since then, he has realized that women don’t necessarily want practical gifts, and she has learned that, to him, buying a practical gift meant he was trying to make things easier for her.
The most ironic thing of all is that she actually grew to LOVE that little pan. It’s the one she would use to melt butter for popcorn during the years her children were growing up! She now thinks of it as a family heirloom. She truly does.
Happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂
Hugs,
Aw, i love this sweet story Crystal,thank you for sharing!
I guess the saying ‘it’s the thought that counts’ applies to your first vday together haha.
Happy Valentines Day !!
Hi there, Ginger!
It’s lovely to see an old friend commenting again! You were one of our original group – way back when. 😀
Glad you liked my story and you are so right – the saying applies perfectly here. LOL
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!
I was attending Ohio University in Athens Ohio when I was faced with that first Valentine decision that had to be made. I was dating my future wife at this time and knew she was going to be that someone special for the rest of my life. How I decided what would make a meaningful gift, I don’t recall, but at least it was a gift that was around our home for several years before we had to make a decision to let go. As I remember it, the gift was appreciated. How could you not fall in love with an adorable stuffed Bunny Rabbit! After we were married the following December, the Bunny resided on our bed for quite some time. I think our two kids probably helped with the demise of little ” Scrunchy”. Yes, that was his name from day one.
Now our bed is graced with a needle point pillow that my Mother made for us. Crystal is very creative, but maybe my Mother inspired her along the way so many years ago.
I think that first Valentine card is probably in an old shoe box in the basement. I know my wife and I still share that “Special feeling” that was felt that first Valentine’s Day!
Dear Sir Beads Brother 🙂
What a lovely, romantic, account of your early Valentine’s Day with your Sweetheart!
You are right. I surely was inspired by your mother’s creativity. I miss her. She did so many things so well, including raising 3 sons who turned out to be the most special of husbands. My sisters-in-law and I all know how lucky we are! 😀
How Funny!
40 years ago I would have felt the same way.
Terry and I just don’t exchange gifts on the 14th. But he often hand draws a Valentine, and I cherish those more than any he would have bought.
A frying pan, Really. Sir Beads must have been thinking about what a great cook you were and wanted more!! Or, like Terry, 40 years ago he wouldn’t be caught dead in a lingerie store..now he happily baby steps through Victoria’s Secret with a Kleenex handy to catch the drool~ LOL~. But hey, 40 years later and he still thinks I look great in a thong…did I say THAT?
xx, Carol
Miss your blogging!!
You crack me up, Carol! LOL 😀
Part of the fun of writing for me is knowing YOU are there to read it.
xo Crystal
Men are from Mars for sure lol……mind you i didnt mind when he bought me a sewing machine 🙂
I was so excited when hubs got me an antique cast iron cake pan. I think it is so funny what makes one woman upset, makes another one happy. No wonder men cannot figure us out. I use antique cast iron cookware for almost everything and finding an old mold I don’t have is quite a challenge. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.
Giggling here, Michelle!
I wouldn’t have minded a sewing machine either! 😉 After all, girls that like crafting love any kind of craft gadget!
So true, Kelly! 🙂
We all have different opinions and we can change our minds at any time ( a woman’s prerogative!).
Must be tough to be a guy!
Hahahaha Carol!
What a sweet story, Crystal! It reminds me of a birthday when my 1st husband bought me an antique chest of drawers. Granted, it was a nice gift, and I am not exactly sure what I was wanting that year, but that was NOT it. I do believe that there were tears then, too. Oh well, youth! He was trying, I suppose. I do still have the chest of drawers and I like it (or maybe appreciate it) now more than I did then.
My current husband knows better than to buy me something that I have not already picked out, tried on or chosen myself…..but he does NOT let me buy it for myself. 🙂 But he can never go wrong with flowers, candy or donuts!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!! 🙂
Hi there, Allison 🙂
Your husband is very sweet to make sure that he buys your gift!
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said “youth”. Thank heaven we all finally grow up and realize what’s really important.
(Of course, donuts would be somewhere on that list! 😉 )
Aww…what a sweet story Crystal!! It reminds me of just how important the little things truely are.
My hubby and I have been together for 13 years this May, and he has always been very thoughtful with V-day gifts. But my favorite gift was what we both gave to each other on our 2nd wedding anniversary…the keys to our first home. 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Hi Brenda,
What a special gift for you and hubby to share on your anniversary! I can’t think of anything more romantic! 😀