Really? Yes, really. I was a waitress. He was a truck driver.
Danny came into the restaurant three times. The first time he got away. The second time I kept filling his coffee cup so I could talk to him, but he left.
The third time I thought, “This is it!” And it was. He asked me out. We went out for a drink, listened to music and we’ve been together ever since.
But before we could go out, he had to go back to his motel and shower and change. He met up with one of his friends and told him he had a date with a pretty girl. He couldn’t remember my name, but said it was something like “Jazzamina”.
Well, close. Thirty-four years later, my nickname is still Jazzamina.
I don’t mind at all.
Jonessa Brittan, Redding
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On Valentine’s Day 2011, I was diagnosed with inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer. The next day, my husband Mike and I were sitting at the Cliff House in San Francisco waiting for the doctor to phone. If my cancer had spread to other organs, there would be no treatment, no hope. If it had not, there would still be a chance I might live.
Mike’s worry for me was evident as he reached across the table to hold my hand. He looked deep into my eyes and said, “Everything will be okay; you’re going to be fine. We’ll get you through this.”
These are some of the most comforting words in the world, even if they do not turn out to be true, as long as they are believed in the moment. We both believed. We believed in the words and we believed in each other.
The doctor phoned saying the cancer had not spread. I cried. Mike cried.
True to his word, Mike saw me through that year of anguish, fear, and at times hopelessness. I don’t know how I could have done it without him!
Gayle Madden, Redding
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A few years ago when I was going through a troubled patch, I spent time talking with a therapist, sorting out options and attempting to make sense of life. I would share some of the breakthroughs with my sweet friend, Albert, following sessions.
I told him about a conversation in therapy about how I’d always wanted a Tiny Tears doll when I was a child. The therapist said, “Surely you can afford to track one down and buy it for yourself,” to which I replied, “No – it has to be given to me. I think I saw her as a symbol of love and the desire to make me happy.” (I never got one …)
About 18 months later, I found a large package under my Christmas tree. Albert had remembered how much the doll had meant to me, managed to find the 50-year-old doll in New Jersey, and had her shipped out to surprise me.
Needless to say, I melted into a pool of tears as I pulled her from the wrapping paper. My Tiny Tears doll! Finally!
Albert and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary last month. He still shows in myriad ways that he loves me and wants to make me happy!
Aleta Carpenter, Redding
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This is a Valentine’s Day-related story.
“Live, laugh & love” is my favorite motto. Andrew and I married five years ago this Valentine’s Day, after being together more than 16 years.
Wedding plans became more urgent because my mother was dying of cancer. My one and only sister was coming to visit from Hawaii, and the timing was she would be here the week of 02/14/2008, to see all of us.
It turned out that we planned to get married in a civil ceremony on that Thursday afternoon, 02/14/2008, with my sister and daughter as witnesses. Our mother could not make it, because she was having a chemo treatment that day.
We all had a lovely visit together in the next few days. It was the last time my sister saw our mom. Our mother passed on 03/28/2005.
Although Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary is very important to me, it does bring tears of joy and some heartache, too. I realize now that Andrew wanted us to get married before my mom’s passing. I love my husband for that! And, I know my mom was pretty darned pleased, too!
Because of my mother, my husband, and family, I “Live, laugh and love!”.
Karen Whittaker, Redding
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Valentine’s Day 2012, I realized would be my grandmother’s first Valentine’s Day since my grandpa had passed. They had been together since she was 15 years old; nearly 60 years.
I surprised her by showing up to her house with a dozen roses, chocolates, and the one thing that she’ll happily devour breaking from her usual bird-like eating habits: an In ‘n’ Out cheeseburger. She was so happy. Few things could top that level of love and joy felt in making my sweet grandma’s Valentine’s Day on a day that would have otherwise made her feel so lonely.
Cristy Lupercio, Sacramento
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This Valentine’s Day will mark 3,650 days (10 years) since my husband proposed to me. A beautiful oak tree stands near the mouth of Cow Creek with our initials and the date. We enjoyed a picnic lunch that crisp clear afternoon. I nearly choked on a carrot when he proposed!
Marriage is one of the most challenging endeavors I’ve faced in my lifetime, and yet it has been the most rewarding. I feel more alive and connected to the wonderful man I chose that day to spend my life with.
