Published as part of the February 8, 2012 edition. last updated February 8, 2012.
Musings, memories & news about you
By CYNTHIA MORSE ZUMBAUGH czumbaugh@charter.net | 231.526.7842
Valentine’s Day, like new Year’s Eve, is one of what I like to call bi-polar holidays. they usually either make you feel really good or really bad, depending on your status and outlook at the time. Ever been to a new Year’s party where everyone gets a kiss at midnight except you? not a fun position to be in, take my word for it if you haven’t been there personally. Valentine’s Day may actually be worse; you can stay home and avoid new Year’s festivities, but Valentine’s Day feels like it is forced down your throat when you are not looking forward to it. Hearts, cards, candy and flowers are everywhere.
When you’re young, Valentine’s Day is great fun. little kids have no hidden message, no agenda. You’d get out the Elmer’s Glue, some of those round scissors and the red and white construction paper, maybe fancy lace doilies, and you’d make valentines for your mom and dad or friends or brothers and sisters. Once you start school, then those silly little folding valentines are the ones everyone wants and it is an exciting time. You spent a week or so prior to Valentine’s Day making some sort of receptacle, be it decorating a brown lunch bag or a Quaker Oats can or anything that could have your name on it, something that the other kids could use to deposit your valentines. You address and sign all your cards and distribute them among your classmate’s boxes or bags. Some teachers required that everyone bring cards for all the other students, others let you pick and choose. That’s when you may have started to either really like or really dislike the holiday. Some kids always got more when the choices were left up to the other kids. Jeri Paige, Sheri Dentel, Jennifer Jezisek, Kathi McRoberts, Sue Carpenter, Maribeth Bishop; you know who you are. And if you “liked” someone and didn’t get a card from them, the heartbreak was overwhelming; 10-year old angst is the worst. I remember one year really wanting a card from Marty Sydow, I received one card that wasn’t signed and I was able to convince myself for a time that it came from Marty. Alas, I was delusional, as usual.
I have a feeling that Valentine’s Day in high school is even tougher than it used to be. Do they still do the delivering of roses thing? At least we didn’t have to suffer through that. I know a lot of parents that sent them to their daughters so they would be sure to get something. Well, intentioned, I’m sure, but it’s really not the same thing and it’s not fun spending the day seeing other people get their gifts.
I remember one year while at Boyne Highlands when I was working with Karen White and with my now sister-inlaw, Laura Zumbaugh. they were then and remain both very lovely, very sought after women and by the end of the day, not only did the rest of us need self-esteem classes to keep us from becoming suicidal, we were basically working in what could easily have passed for a funeral home, as they both received multiple offerings from their numerous suitors. even those of us who received a rose or a small bouquet still felt inadequate.
That may have been the point when my cynical nature was completely developed and it makes it very difficult now to accept a gift with good grace; I’m always waiting for the other shoe to fall. I remember one gentleman (and I use that term quite loosely) that sent me a bouquet of eight roses one year. rather than just say a polite thank you and then shut my mouth, as I should have, I asked who got the other four. Really not nice, I know, but after the Marty debacle in grade school, I kept my guard up. The first year I was seeing my husband, he gave me my gift a day late and I suggested that he did it because valentine merchandise goes on sale the day after the holiday. Why he still married me is a mystery to many, including myself, but I’m glad he did (and that’s as mushy as you’ll hear me get.)
So this year, surprise someone. Nothing says you can only give a valentine to a romantic interest; think back to the early elementary days when you exchanged cards with all your friends. even more fun, if you know someone who needs a pick me up, send an anonymous card or gift. not knowing where it came from can be more fun than knowing, sometimes. Remember people that you think no one else will think of, that’s truly getting into the spirit of the day.
Congratulations to Kassidy Hadix for winning the Charlevoix/Emmet County spelling bee last week. she will now be advancing to the Regionals in March. Personally, I am ecstatic that they still teach spelling; after reading the texts and posts of many youngsters, I wasn’t sure that was the case.
Happy Birthday on Thursday, February 9, to Sydney Hadix and on Friday, February 10, to Geoff Morse and Bob Hartwick. on Saturday, best birthday wishes to Kristin Kenyon McDonald and to Pastor Ed Warner on yet another 39th birthday for him.
One very sad note to mention, in early January I reported that Maxine Carlson had passed away. last week, as so often happens in these situations, her husband of many years, George Carlson, joined her. sincere condolences to their children, Bruce Carlson, Juanita Carlson Graser and Connie Carlson Garber.
Share your news with Cynthia, czumbaugh@charter.net 231.56.7842
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