Southern Cajun Momma

Growing up, I watched my dad give my mom flowers,candy and gifts on Valentine’s day. He’d always do something special for us kids, as well. I never did receive anything for Valentine’s in high school like other girls did. I was a slight bit jealous that they were getting these over the top bouquets, balloons and gifts to walk around in school with.

I always assumed that when I’d get married that my husband would flower me with goods on Valentine’s day. That honestly didn’t happen and he acted like it was a chore rather than a loving gesture. I never pushed it because I feared the back lash and I didn’t want to receive a gift I made someone feel obligated to get.

Along the way, I quit expecting things on Valentine’s day and started putting all my energy into my girls. I’d spend countless hours making class treats and searching for the perfect Valentine outfit topped with a big bow in their hair. Honey!!! You ain’t Southern unless you’ve put a bow in your daughter’s hair that twice the size of her head with hearts all over the ribbon. I would have so much fun putting together Valentine bags/buckets for my girls and I would get the biggest pleasure watching them open it!

My mom would take us out on a date with my dad. So it would be me, my girls and my parents. That eventually stopped when dad passed. I then started doing Valentine’s meals at home. It became a ritual and my girls look forward to it each year. They would get all dressed up. They’re definitely overdressed for the house but they have so much fun! Once all dolled up, they sit at whichever chair has their gift by it. They usually eat by candlelight. This year was by galaxy night light that one of my daughters received from us. I laughed this year watching my 13 and 16 year old children giggle about Valentine’s day supper like they were still 5.

I was blessed with my current husband a little over 5 years ago. Girl when I say blessed, I mean BLESSED! He woke me up and made me realize that a man isn’t supposed to show his love for you just on Valentine’s day. He should show you that year round. That’s something I had never experienced before. I’m a simple person and I don’t expect extravagant gifts. I’m just as excited about him handing me a bunch of wildflowers he picked as I am about a big expensive bouquet.

He does the simplest things throughout the year to show me he loves me. On cold days, he has ran outside to start my vehicle so it would be warm for me and the kids. He built this beautiful barn style carport exactly like I wanted but doesn’t park under it because he wants me and the girls to park our cars in it. He works full time and I work prn. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home to a clean house, laundry done and supper done. I caught most of you ladies’ attention on the laundry part. Yes girl!!!! I found me a man who knows how to do laundry. Anyway, he will work a long day and tell me to sit down and relax because ‘I’ve been busy with the kids.’ He sees me when I’m overwhelmed and picks up the slack. He will spend countless hours doing for me and the kids and put himself on the back burner.

I do my best to show him my love back to him but when you have a man who shows you love like mine does; it is hard to top it. He has taught me love is not just for Valentine’s. It is for every day of the year. It is for your bad days and good day. Flowers are not just for Valentine’s or special occasions either. They’re for just because or I love you or these made me think of you. Genuine love is fulfilling and you don’t need to go over the top on Valentine’s to feel loved. You already feel loved ever single day.

I had to find out the hard way but if you’re waiting to feel loved on Valentine’s day by your significant other; then you’re not with the right person. The right person will make you feel like every day is Valentine’s day.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.