Valentine’s Day, ahhhh, yes, that day where all the pressure is on to buy that “perfect” gift for that “perfect” person.  Well, I am one of those lucky ones this year; I didn’t have to buy and didn’t receive either.  I got to play cupid and event planner, you see, my 17-year old son thought it would be a great idea to cook a romantic candlelit dinner for 2 and surprise his lovely girlfriend.  He is after all, the next aspiring cooking show host and master chef.  His selection was set, Grilled Salmon, Steamed Broccoli, and Iced Tea, followed by Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

They would dine under the candle-lit tree, and enjoy dessert by the fire pit covered in sweaters and blankets all snuggled up.  He gave me very clear instructions.  He wanted the candles lit while he went to pick her up, he wanted the table to be set and all the family to be nowhere in sight.  He would do the cooking but I would do the prepping and decorating.  My excitement in the preparation was thrilling, his younger sister and his older brother’s girlfriend were all part of the planning and were just as thrilled, lighting the candles, picking the cloth napkins and setting the table was more then we could bare.  The girls quickly gathered flowers, selected the scented candles and just the right china.  When the moment came for the lovebirds to arrival, we scurried away to my bedroom to not be seen and to allow for privacy as requested.
We peaked through the curtains, just like children on Christmas morning, at which point I was quickly reminded of the days not long ago when “Santa” would arrive in secrecy just the same.  It was sweet and tender and a beautiful privilege to participate is such a special time of a young man’s life I am honored to call my son.  So Valentine’s Day is romantic after all, it is about that “perfect” gift of giving and receiving and I was the luckiest   after all!