Sentimental Valentine's Wishes
by Ed Young
Frugal MacDoogal's Monthly Guest Wine Letter February, 2006
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“People are meant to go through life two by two.
‘Tain’t natural to be lonesome”.
Our Town, Thornton Wilder.
What is the most unbelievable coincidence that ever happened to you? For many of us it was the absolutely chance meeting with the person who became our lover, our wife or husband. Some couples start out early as childhood sweethearts. Many people we know met their life’s mate in college. In other cases, work brings two people into close proximity. Others meet at parties or social events. A few are “matched” up by friends or family. Some of the stories of how people first met are weird and wonderful at the same time. You search and search for the right mate, and suddenly you are somewhere you didn’t expect to be, and meet someone at that precise moment who wouldn’t normally be in that place. There is no accounting for love. It takes many strange twists and turns, and there is a song about every one of them. “Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love; when you hear her call you across a crowded room; then fly to her side, and make her your own, for all through your life you may dream all alone. Who can explain it, who can tell you why? Fools give you reasons, wise men never try. Once you have found her, never let her go; once you have found her, never let her go!” (“South Pacific”, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein).
If the chemistry is right, physical attraction and friendship turn into mutual commitment. You begin a life together, the newness wears off, and you settle in for what you hope will be a long and comfortable familiarization. “I’ve grown accustomed to her face; She almost makes the day begin; Her smiles, her frowns, her ups, her downs, are second nature to me now; like breathing out and breathing in…”(“My Fair Lady”, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe).
No one can possibly anticipate all the hurdles along the road of a shared life. We’re not perfect, and neither is love. We make false starts; sometimes we fail in spite of our efforts and intentions. But when two people both work very hard at meeting each other’s needs, and manage to keep the precious spark alive, you change and grow together. Jobs change, careers change, fortunes change for better or worse, but you stay together. “There was a time, we thought our dream was over, when you and I had surely reached the end. Still here we are, the flame as strong as ever; all because we both kept holding on; we know we can weather any storm. Baby, that’s what love is all about, two hearts that find a way, somehow, to keep the fire burning”. (Michael Bolton).
That is what love is all about. Even if your love is still in the bloom of youth, you have shared much and made special memories together. This Valentine’s Day, make time for each other—time to reflect upon the convergence of fate that brought you together, and the things that have caused you to stay together. February 14 falls in mid-week this year. Why not just stay home with your special someone and cook something that will be just right? How about a dish you enjoyed at a romantic restaurant in your courtship? What it is doesn’t really matter, but remember that cooking is a form of love too. A shrimp gumbo, or a pot roast, or a favorite lentil dish fills a kitchen with aromas that will enhance the specialness of the evening. Put some flowers on the dinner table, play some romantic music, and open a special bottle of wine. This can be Champagne, something you have been saving for a special occasion, or one of the Wine Spectator Top 100 wines of 2005. Why not surprise him or her with something you liked in your youth like a Portuguese Rose, or a German Liebfraumilch?
Open that bottle of wine, drink a toast to celebrate “us”, reminisce about the special times you’ve shared, and maybe even get out some old photographs to enhance the mood. Nurture the spark; renew the commitment. If you don’t remember being single, and can’t imagine life without your sweetheart, say it. Or read these words:
Time after time, I tell myself that I’m,
So lucky to be loving you.
So lucky to be, the one you run to see
In the evening when the day is through.
I only know what I know,
The passing years will show,
You’ve kept my love so young, so new;
And time after time, you’ll hear me say that I’m,
So lucky to be loving you.
(Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne)
Whether you are in love, or hope to be in love, or you are among the really lucky ones who are still in love, we wish you a very special Valentine’s Day!
Miss last month's letter? >click here<
For A List of Ed Young's Archived Newsletters >click here<
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