A Valentine’s Gift Suggestion

From “Memory Lane”….In the 1980’s, at Bryan College: Assistant Professor of Christian Education Craig Williford and Carolyn, Instructor of Freshman English, at the Senior Class’ Night Out!

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A gift for your Valentine, your spouse. Have you thought about that yet? Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and Craig and I are here to help. This year, we have a suggestion for you to make past years’ chocolates, flowers, possibly even things that sparkled pale in comparison! Our idea?

Write a letter. One with a favorite memory of your spouse. Think about a time in your past that was meaningful; a laugh that maybe only the two of you “got”; a major step in your relationship; a memory that would make both of you smile. Noodle on those ideas for a while and then…bring up a “new document” blank sheet. And type.

Remember when…

(I think your fingers will take you from there!)

The first of many trips to NYC

Remember when we were students at Cedarville and you asked me to walk the more private path back to my dorm, Sweetheart? I could hear the note of unease in your voice and I instantly thought, He’s nervous! I bet he’s going to say something wonderful to me! With such expectation I waited for you to gather your courage. Finally, you drew in a noticeable breath and said, “I just want to warn you that I always date girls for about 3 months. And then I drop them.”

What?! Instantly, a lump formed in my throat and tears threatened. But I instinctively knew that making a scene—any type of overly emotional response—would not be good. So I called up every bit of courage I could gather and calmly replied, “Thank you for warning me.”

(I know what you readers are thinking. You’re wondering, How on earth can this be a good memory, Carolyn? A romantic one?? Well, hang with me. What can I say? Craig had some rough edges way back when.)

The silence between us was nearly unbearable for me, but I was determined to make it back to my dorm without tears, drama, screaming, or kicking you in the leg. And I did make it—just barely. Because my roommate may recall that I burst into tears as soon as I walked into our room. And I told her I was convinced God was calling me to one of two paths: Either Craig would break my heart, but God would use me to teach him what it meant to truly love someone. Or…Craig would be the man I’d marry.

Somehow, I managed to tuck all those emotions away and act as if all was good the next time I saw you. We’d been dating a little over 2 months, so I figured I had about 3 weeks left to love you before the cruel ax fell. Too quickly, that time came: It was 3 months, almost to the day. And we had a significant argument. You dropped me off at the dorm, and after I’d prayed and cried for a while (again with my longsuffering Roomie!), I went out for a long walk to clear my head. And prepare my heart.

One of our great loves: The Rocky Mountains

When I got back, you were leaning against a tree, waiting for me. “Can we go for a ride?” you asked.“Sure.” I knew that this time, there’d be no way I could stop my tears from flowing. So getting away from the campus and any prying eyes was a plus.

We were both quiet—not our usual talkative selves. And then finally you pulled the car over to the berm, anxious to get it over with, I guessed.

“I need you to know this isn’t easy for me to say,” you began, avoiding my eyes. “I’ve never said this to anyone before.” Finally, you turned to look at me. “I understood, for the first time, that I didn’t want to break up with you because….because I realized…I love you.”

Can you readers guess what I did then? Well, at the same time Craig pulled me into his arms and kissed me, that is. Well, I cried—of course I cried! I was the very first person Craig had ever voiced those words out loud to. I love you, he’d said. Very clearly, very determinedly, as he looked deeply into my eyes.

No words had ever been sweeter to my ears, or more cherished, Sweetheart. They’d never passed your lips before—not flippantly, not in a repetitive way, and not merely out of habit. They came straight from your heart…to mine.

Plotting…Planning…Something?!

It was a little over a year later when we both said more words that we’d both never spoken to another either—vows before our God that we still hold sacred. It will be 49 years on June 9 of this year, and Craig will be in our first full month of retirement. We’re beginning a stage in our lives like no other, aren’t we, Sweetheart? And you know what? I can’t wait…because I’m traveling that new adventure with you. Still my lover, my best friend, my partner in crime. Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart!

How about we go have some fun together? Race you to the 2-man kayak!

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