The Last Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has been special my entire life. In large part, it is because my mother was born on Valentine's Day and was named after it – Vallee’. 

For her birthday, I always knew she wanted flowers, any flowers, as long as they were roses! The flowers were to be accompanied by a card. My mom lived in Fort Worth later in life, and Bradley Florist would contact me if I did not order the flowers timely. Mrs. Bradley would call and say, "Randy, do you want to send some flowers to your mom this year? What would you like to say on the card?”  It was always a little bit awkward dictating a sappy note to my mom through Mrs. Bradley, but Mrs. Brandley would say something to make me feel at ease, like “that is so sweet”.

Mrs. Bradley was always careful to not deliver the flowers until the morning of Valentine's Day, regardless of what day of the week it fell on. My mom would then call me and gush about how they were the most beautiful bouquets ever; she did not know how they could get better every year.

I was the first child. Mom and I would talk at least once a week, and sometimes talk every day. She would ask me about my wife, my kids, and my work, but she always wanted to know how I was doing and how I was feeling. She always asked if I had a cold or anything else going on health care-wise. She reveled in my successes and anguished with me at failures and disappointments.

My mom was my biggest fan and she thought I was perfect. No one will ever take her place or think that highly of me. So, Valentine’s Day, my mom’s birthday, was my most important mother/son day. 

For Valentine’s Day 2001, I ordered my mom flowers, prepared a card through Mrs. Bradley and they were delivered. That evening, mom and I talked by phone. She thanked me profusely for the "once in a lifetime" flowers and the wonderful card. At the end of our conversation, we told each other how much we loved each other, as we did each year. Two days later, February 16^th, I got a phone call that she had passed away in her sleep.

This Valentine's Day is an opportunity for us to tell others how much they mean to us and how much we love them. It is a good opportunity to reach out to them, without feeling awkward.

My wish for you on this Valentin’s Day is that you reach out to those who have meant so much to you in the past or who mean so much to you in your life now.

Right after my mom passed away, I traveled to Fort Worth to get her affairs in order. When I walked into her front door, I saw the flowers sitting there that I had sent for her birthday and Valentine’s Day.  Leaning up against the flower vase was the open card I had sent through Mrs. Bradley. While that was somewhat heartbreaking, I could only imagine her putting the flowers there with my sappy card.  I was happy that I had taken a moment to thank my mom for being such a wonderful person and telling her how much I loved her. I am still grateful that I was able to bring her joy and a smile to her life on her last birthday.

On this special holiday, please do not take for granted that there will always be another chance—another Valentine’s Day—to say I love you to those who matter most. And I suspect you will feel warmth in your heart. 

Happy Valentine’s Day.