more from the box

What is your first memory of Valentines day? Remember the days when we got to make our own boxes for the Valentine party in Elementary? That was the best part of the Holiday for me and is what most of my memories of the heart filled day are made of.
The first Valentine Memory I can recall does not include the making of the box. Now remember that my memory is foggy, so if while telling of this memory it sounds a bit like a dream, where nothing really makes sense, we will blame my memory and the fact that I was very young at the time and my views life and time were very different from what they are now.
I think I was probably six or seven. I remember it was after school and all the Valentine hoopla with friends. I am quite certain that my Mom was usually the one who took care of all the holiday fun and gifts throughout most of my childhood.
That year was different for some reason. I remember being at home with my mom and siblings. We, were all hyped up on many sorts of sugars and excitement! My dad, I was told, was out getting our Valentines. I was so excited for him to come home to see what we got (greedy).
I don't think I even let my dad get past the entry way before demanding my gift. Dont really remember how the rest went, but I know I got a little red vinyl coin purse with gold a gold clasp, and I think my sister Amy got a blue one?
I suppose this is not what I had envisioned my Valentine should be. I'm not sure what I did, but I let my sweet dad (who had gone out and spent his night trying to pick out something he thought his little girls would like) know that I was not impressed nor was I happy with what I got!
Later, not sure if it was minutes, hours, days, weeks, or years, but later my mom and I had a talk (we use to have a lot of talks). She let me know how excited my dad was that he had found those cute little coin purses for us and how much he thought we would like them. I felt, and still feel, pain when I think of how I acted toward my dad, when he was giving me a thoughtful gift.

I keep it in my memory box to remind me of the love my dad has for me and everything he has done and continues to do for me. Also to remind me to not be a selfish brat. So sorry and sad to admit it, but this is an issue I have to continually work on.