Yes, I admit that I am stealing from a recognizable book title… “Love in the Time of Cholera.” However, the title is all I knew of the book, and having read a synopsis of it, I assure you my column will not be nearly as interesting or sexy. Having said all that, if you read many of the articles in the February issue of SOKY, you will find numerous references to “The Month of Love” which is, of course, February.
Now, I am as much a romantic as the next guy. My wife, Twila, who always gives me well more than the benefit of the doubt, would say I am more romantic than the next guy. I’m afraid to inquire about her research because she is a better shot than I. But I know I still get credit for the music video I produced to ask her to marry me… and that was over 30 years ago!
Not long ago we were having our weekly meeting with our friend Tim Maloney from WBKO… disclaimer here… there might have been something slightly stronger than Diet Coke involved… and the topic of what to do during these challenging times for one’s Valentine came up. He confessed he was at a bit of a loss in this year of COVID.
Twila turned to me and said, “You are a romantic. Give him some ideas.” Thanks, Honey! So, we chatted a bit and I promised to try to come up with an idea before our next meeting.
As I pondered ideas for our friend, I began thinking, maybe there has not been a more important time to try and come up with a good Valentine’s idea than in today’s challenging world. The COVID restrictions have caused many of us some serious stress and cut way back on our ability to get out and enjoy our lives. Worry about catching the virus has ratcheted that concern even higher. Then, on top of that, all of the ridiculous political mess has added to the stress. No, I’m not going to get out my soapbox… I promise!
I am blessed with a wife who is truly the opposite of me. She never worries. She does not stress. She always smiles and is in a good mood. So, even though it would seem I do not have to make a special Valentine’s Day effort, I think it is important to try and find ways to make her world a little brighter and happier for Valentine’s Day, hoping that it will perhaps carry on through the rest of the year.
In today’s world you can get just about anything on the Internet from huge businesses all over the world. But there are many wonderful local florists and restaurants ready to serve you on the day of love. I encourage you to support your local friends and neighbors, as they are the ones who will be here to help if you are in need. If you take my advice and take the eating out route, at least get your sweetie a pink mask with glitter to wear. But I’ve been thinking of what I could do for my special Valentine that might be the least bit different and, while not for everyone, I think this is what I will do.
I’m going to fill my relatively new SUV with gas. I might even get it washed. That helps one or two local businesses. I’m going to visit a local jewelry store and find a small bauble that will sparkle almost as brightly as the twinkle in my bride’s eyes. Another local business helped. I’m going to visit a local florist and get some pink roses… silk, so Chrissy the cat does not upchuck pink all over the house. Another local business supported. And I’m going to place an order for some of Twila’s favorite foods with a local eatery. Another local establishment assisted. And, finally, I’m going to visit a local bakery and get a little dessert of some sort… probably pink… imagine that!
I’m going to load all those items and my beautiful wife into my little SUV and drive to someplace with a nice view from the front seat of my truck… turn on some music… from a local radio station, of course… and then spend some quiet, comfy alone time with my amazing partner. To me, that’s what this Valentine’s Day needs to be about. I doubt many of us have experienced a more stressful and trying time in our lives than the past several months. It has taken a toll on us physically as well as mentally and, in some cases, it has probably been hard on our close personal relationships.
I am a worrier in normal times. I take our responsibilities to our clients and team extremely personal and never want to let them down. That has been harder than ever to do this year and Twila and I have worked endless hours to make things work properly. I suspect I have been harder than ever to put up with… not that Twila would ever point it out to me. So I’m using Valentine’s Day as an excuse to reset my attitude and to be sure my Valentine knows how lucky I feel to have her as a business partner, wife, best friend and how much I appreciate her.
Here’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day and wishing us all a safer, happier and more prosperous year. OH, assuming our friend, Tim, takes our advice… Mrs. Maloney, you’re welcome!
