“In this world you shall have tribulation.” — John 16:33

While skimming through the internet it was no surprise to discover some-thing new. There’s an entire Valentine Week — not just the one special day observed on the 14th. According to the source, the seven days leading up to the celebrated flowers/candy day of the year have special meaning too.

Feb. 7 is Rose day. Who could argue with a flower day celebration — especially if it’s a rose? Their familiar blooms come in so many colors, but yellow is my favorite. Even though I’ve been blessed to receive more than my share of roses, none have been more special than the yellow rose buds in the corsage that my valentine gave me on the night of our wedding rehearsal. 

Perhaps it’s because my entire world was warmed with a golden glow on the eve of our wedding day, but the beauty and fragrance of that date-marking corsage made permanent imprints on my heart. Rose day gets my vote!

Feb. 8 is Propose day. Surely the source is not suggesting that day is prime time for popping the big question. I think its significance lies in recalling that special day for married couples and a day to dream on for those hoping for that momentous day. 

If I observe Propose day I will recall my valentine pulling off a rural road in Shelby, MS to present me with an engagement ring. It was a late, dusty afternoon in the Delta — a place where love had been planted in my heart and every care was far removed from our college days. Even though I was sure that this valentine was my knight in shining armor, I was shocked when he opened the tiny, black velvet box. The ring was a fit for life!

Feb. 9 is chocolate day. Ummm … where do I begin? I recall the thin financial days in our first years of marriage. There was never a surplus but al-ways enough, and that’s what mattered to me. My valentine dreamed while working hard for more, but a small box of chocolate covered turtles on Valentine’s Day along with an “I Love You” note spoke love and caloric joy to me. Chocolate is and will always be a universal language for lovers.

Moving on, Feb. 10 is Teddy day. Baby dolls, not teddy bears, were my childhood love. When God gave us two real baby dolls as our own off-spring, new joys visited us and stayed. 

Our son was just a toddler when an elderly, petite lady from our church presented him with a small, inexpensive teddy bear. The teddy soon lost most of his hair, and his button nose had to be reattached more than once, but the teddy became an inseparable partner with our son. When I cleaned out the childhood toy box, Teddy never had a worry. He knew he was a keeper and still is. He’s preserved behind glass in a shadow box. It’s amazing what value love can place on objects. Certainly, teddy bears have earned a day of remembrance on our calendars.

Feb. 11 is Promise day. Valentines make lots of promises, and not all are kept but hearing them makes life sweeter. Too bad promises aren’t as binding today as they were in earlier times. A day set aside to make promises to valentines or ponder some that haven’t been reviewed in a while could make Feb. 11 a memorable day.

Hug day is Feb. 12. I think the best huggers learn from examples. My parents were huggers, and I grew up associating happy marriage with lots of happy hugs. If you think about it, people don’t do much hugging when they’re angry, but a warm, happy hug can transmit a bundle of forgiveness as well as affection.

Day 13 is Kiss day. “Valentining” grows a bit more serious if observing this day. Whether it’s a kiss on the cheek or forehead of a child or a lip-smacking kiss between lovers, the kiss is an intimate expression of love. I read a neat quote recently: “The best things in life can never be kept. They must be given away — a smile, a kiss, and love.” May your valentine be generous in all three, and Lord, help us to give You thanks for being the origin of love.

Camille Anding, The Daily Leader, P. O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.