In Roman mythology, little winged Cupid, the God of erotic love, shot a gold arrow at Apollo, the God of the sun. The arrow hit made him fall in love with Daphne, the nymph. Since Cupid also shot an arrow at Daphne, but this one made of lead, Daphne wanted nothing to do with Apollo. And, so it goes in life and with Valentine’s Day, on the calendar this Sunday Feb. 14.
Today, Valentine’s Day festivities in classrooms may include a card exchange or a platter of treats enjoyed by the children to celebrate the occasion.
Doug Gribble, a fifth-grade teacher at Kenmore’s Arrowhead Elementary, sends a letter home in a sealed envelope addressed to his students’ parents. In part it reads, “I would like every child to receive a letter from one or both of his/her parents that lets them know how loved, appreciated, and wonderful they are ….something that they can treasure.”
Gribble says, “It’s always fun to see the students’ eyes light up when they read heartfelt words from their parents.”
Doug makes sure that every child receives a special note whether it’s from a parent or from him. He also describes a staff room full of treats from parents who wish to say “thank you” to all who work with, and inspire, their children.
I recall, as a child, making Valentine’s out of red cardboard paper folded in half, white lacy paper doilies, ribbons and glued-on heart candies that said, “Be Mine.” At the dinner table, my parents each received the ornate creation. I also remember making cards, and their accompanying envelopes, as art projects in school.
A British friend of mine says that in England, a Valentine is sent anonymously to a sweetheart, but that parents don’t exchange cards and gifts with their children.
One Valentine’s Day here in Bothell, my daughter spotted a bottle of wine, large bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates sitting at my place on the dinette table. She dashed upstairs to find her father and asked, “Dad, were you bad?”
For those wishing to treat their loved one to a romantic dinner, Grazie Ristorante Italiano on Bothell-Everett Highway, offers a special menu on Valentine’s Day, geared toward an elegant meal of lobster, prime rib or salmon with raspberry butter, in keeping with a red theme.
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, a little less elegant breakfast or lunch at any one of our local restaurants would also fit the bill.
When you invite your dear one to dine with you…I hope that this time, little Cupid will carry only golden arrows in his quiver.
Happy Valentine’s Day Kenmore and Bothell.
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
