Valentine Love From A Mama’s Heart

Mama made every holiday and occasion special. She taught my twin brother and me a Valentine’s song that I believe she created herself.

I would sing:

“Valentine, Valentine

Will you be my Valentine?”

My twin brother, Zane, would reply:

“Valentine, Valentine

I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine.”

I have a cassette tape of us performing this song for my grandmother and uncle. I must admit, I was bossy, and Zane did not want to sing his part. On the tape, I can be heard saying, “Zane, sing!” Then, I hear Daddy laughing in the background.

In fourth grade, I was having a Valentine’s party in Mrs. Irvin’s class. On the morning of Valentine’s Day, Mama woke me up and said, “Dawn, I made a surprise for you. Look what’s hanging in your window.”

Mama had made me a long-sleeved red Valentine’s shift dress with tiny white hearts all over the fabric. To fasten the back of the special dress, she used three white pearl heart buttons. It fit perfectly.

Mama Doris gave Hannah her Pink Singer sewing machine. Hannah made that display in her bedroom when she was 14. The photograph is my twin brother Zane and me in darling outfits made by Mama. The last picture I surprised Lilly Grace when she was six years old with a Valentine dress for her doll, Emma Grace and a tea party. I made tablecloths with fabric from Hobby Lobby.

Mama gave love to everyone every day. She had a warmth in her gentle smile and was the most encouraging lady I’ve ever known. I’m so thankful that I fondly remember her loving, sincere, and gracious words.