“Jim” came in today talking about his first Valentine’s Day as a married man. It was a very sweet and a very simple celebration with his new wife “Ellie” of their love for each other. She leaves for work by 5:30 each morning and loves to start her day with a latte, but that only happens rarely. So on Valentine’s morning, Jim got up early, went out and got her a latte and a bag of her favorite candy, Almond Joys. She was deeply touched. Ellie’s present to Jim was HIS favorite drink, Mexican Cola, and a bag of HIS favorite candy, York Peppermint Patties. He was deeply touched.
As Jim told me the story, his eyes filled up with tears. His heart was filled with gratitude for how simple it was to express their love for each other.
Being witness to this sweet story, I was struck by the simplicity of love. It wasn’t about expensive presents or big celebrations. It was about seeing each other and about being seen, about knowing what makes each other happy. That was their gift of love to each other on their first Valentine’s Day together.