Let’s get you back to class,” I told the five-year-old I had been tutoring. I loved volunteering as a reading coach for the kindergartners, especially on Valentine’s Day.
At 77, and a widow, I was no one’s valentine anymore. Still, I could enjoy watching the kids make and exchange their sparkling cards.
Back in the classroom, the teacher signaled for everyone to line up.
“The children really appreciate your help, Ms. Pat. They want to give you something special,” she announced.
Each child came forward, one at a time, and presented me with a card.
“You are all angels,” I told them. “I will wait till I get home and then read each and every one.”
When the bell rang, I walked to my car swinging my bag of valentines. The kids must have had so much fun making these cards, I thought.
I imagined them busy with their glitter and glue, content to make a card no matter who it was for. I was glad I could help make the day special for the kids.
At home I dropped the cards on the kitchen table and dropped myself onto the couch for a long nap. When I woke up I tidied the house and worked for a bit in the yard.
It wasn’t until I’d eaten dinner and cleaned up the kitchen that I took the bag of valentines from the table up to bed. I wanted to give each card the attention it deserved, with no distractions. I owed it to the kids.
I picked the first card from the bag and read the envelope: “Ms. Pat, I love you.” I recognized Diego’s handwriting immediately. When I opened the envelope a slew of tiny plastic hearts and flowers fell onto my lap.
Oh, my! I thought, surprised. I reached in the bag for another card. This one was from Jennifer. “You are awesome,” the cover read. I flipped it open and sequins flew out, mixing with Diego’s hearts and flowers. My plain white sheets turned Technicolor.
“I light up for you!” the next card read. It spit out sparkles. I burst out laughing.
What a mess! By the time I got to the bottom of the bag, I was half buried in hearts, flowers, sparkles, sequins, glitter—and memories of special moments with these kids. I felt like a princess in a bed full of roses.
I’d worry about the mess tomorrow. For now I just lay down my happy head on my pillow. I thought Valentine’s Day wasn’t for me anymore. So God sent a classroom full of angels to shower me with love.
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