Tuesday, February 14, 2006

The Valentine Box


Roses in crystal vases tied with red satin ribbon; heart-shaped boxes of mixed chocolates; Cupid with his blazing arrow aimed at affection; sweet sentiments upon lace-edged cards. Today I remember all of those things and the times in my life when I faced Valentine's Day with a mixture of excitement and dread. But the most coveted and cherished memory I hold is of the Valentine Box.

In the month of February when I was a child we were given a shoebox and an imagination to create. Thin, rectangular cardboard was transformed into something splendid; a holder for anticipated words of endearment, hopefully from that one special boy or girl. Each box was original and lovely; a project most children shared with their parents. Back in the 1960's, the world didn't seem to revolve so quickly. People weren't rushed or pulled in so many directions, and an evening of quiet creativity was not out of the question.

I felt I held the monopoly on inventiveness...because I had my mother. Always the artist, she would help me create the most beautiful and unique Valentine box, covered in red and white crepe paper. Truly a masterpiece.

Years ago, while missing this beloved tradition, I purchased a plain paper mache, heart-shaped box, painting it fuchsia and white, and covered it with hearts, flowers and pink-cheeked cherubs. Inside I would tuck little notes: "I love M. because she is kind and caring; a true friend." "D. is special because he always has a grin on his face and is affectionate and sweet." The children, catching the spirit, would write their own little notes, slipping them quietly beneath the lid. The idea was not so much to read what the others had written, but to think about the blessings of one another and what we felt in our hearts.

The kids are teenagers now, and the Valentine box has lost much of its fascination for them. Blue iris and apricot roses from a special boy call attention away from its simplicity, and chocolate-covered basketballs are more "manly" than the sentiments once expressed from a little boy's heart. And that's OK. Their love is growing up. I am truly thankful that in its growing, it has stretched beyond the confinement of a paper mache box and found its way into the true hearts of many.

Happy Valentine's Day!

8 comments:

srp said...

I remember those shoebox Valentine holders for school. I loved the lace heart shaped doilies we glued on and Mom would send Dad to the store for alphabet macaroni and we would glue words on the red hearts all over the box. Touches of lace around the lid were wonderful. Unlike Charlie Brown, our boxes were full, and we all had a valentine for each and every classmate. Thanks for the memory.

clew said...

Nice memories, Lori! I too remember the shoebox decorating and exchange of valentines with classmates. SOmetimes you'd even get a conversation heart in one. Ooo! :)

As Incrediboy gets older, I've been tucking ideas of instilling gratitude and appreciation into our family holiday traditions. I love this valentine box idea ...

alan said...

I too remember the boxes...such a wonderful memory and time!

If we can call this a different kind of box, then may your Valentine's Day be as wonderful as you are Lori, and may there be a hundred or so more ahead!

alan

Michelle said...

What a wonderful, bittersweet memory. The transition from child to young adult is not always easy, but it is assuredly swift. Hugs!

Martie said...

A very poignant post....I state again.....Lori, you are awesome!

Anonymous said...

happy valentines day. I am glad between moments of sewing you gave us this great post. Wow I just read cheryls blog and yours, and I am glad to have two good blog friends in both of you. Nice people you are.

Mellissa said...

See, this is what it is all about. Very nice post Lori!

Mellissa

Rebecca said...

Sigh.....
I wish I grew up in your house.

(uh-oh, I'm being guilty of the "grass is always greener"!)

But what a nice tradition, truly. I hope you don't mind, but I just may "borrow" it for my own children... :)