Cookie & Brownie… by JoAnn

Today is Valentine’s Day. I woke up feeling rather alone on this holiday. I’ve always thought that a day to celebrate LOVE seemed so romantic. Since I was around 13 years old, I have always wanted the traditional “female” gifts from someone special on Valentine’s Day. I never received even a card from a boy all through high school. The first time I received a Valentine’s card and flowers was from my soon-to-be husband when I was 18 years old. That was the last time I received flowers from him on V-day. I think I received only one more card, the first year we were married. He wasn’t the romantic, mushy type and did not approve of the commercialism of Valentine’s Day. He felt it was a made-up holiday just to take advantage of consumers by charging outrageous prices for roses and heart-shaped boxes of candy. He was right. But the girl in me missed not receiving those things. He was the type of man who showed his love by working on my car all weekend, so I would have a way to get around. I loved him more for that, and I miss him!

My fondest memory of Valentine’s Day has always been watching my parents over the years celebrate the day. My parents were married for over 50 years. For as far back as I can remember, my dad called my Mama by the nickname “Brownie.” It came from her deep brown eyes, which Daddy obviously adored. She called him “Cookie”. This came from my older brother calling him Cookie instead of Daddy when he was a baby, and it stuck. All my life, I watched them sign cards of love to one another: “Love, Cookie” and “Love, Brownie.” Especially on Valentine’s Day.

Daddy would always present Mama with a beautiful, romantic Valentine’s card that he had picked out for his Brownie, along with a heart-shaped box of candy. She always had a loving Valentine for her Cookie. They would exchange their love gifts away from us kids, but me being…well, ME…I saw their exchanges on many occasions. It made a significant impression on my tender heart. I guess that is why I longed to have the same experiences.

This morning, I awoke feeling lonely for this holiday of love, and my first thought was of my Mama & Daddy and their love for one another. I realized that was the most beautiful Valentine’s Day memory I could ever have. I may have never had their experiences personally, but watching the two of them for so many years was an honor and a gift.

I’m sure I will continue thinking about my parent’s love throughout the day. It will bring a smile to my face and put the love in my heart that my soul longs for on this holiday.

Here’s to Cookie and Brownie on their Valentine’s Day in Heaven. I can only imagine how beautiful their celebrations are now.