Delicious Romantic Love

My Valentine's Gift for supporting the Surrey Community Cat Coalition

Valentine’s Day can be difficult if you’re single, but this year it was lovely. It began with a huge heart-shaped box of chocolates, a prize for donating to the Surrey Community Cat Coalition. My love and concern for homeless cats was returned in a tasty gift. 

​There were some pleasant interactions when I went out to pick up the chocolates. One man joined me at my table at a coffee shop. First I thought it was because of the crowd, but then saw an empty table in the corner. Another man confided feeling sad being single on Valentine’s Day. I told him that what helps me if I feel lonely is to know that God loves us. Did he know that?

“I hope so,” he said.

“Absolutely,” I replied.  

Was I wearing a winning ensemble? I resolved to wear it again. But I thought, maybe it’s more important to have the right attitude. As I’ve been working on my father’s story and writing about how it inspires me, I’m learning about love. It’s easier to share love with people around me. I don’t worry too much about saying the wrong thing. I will always do that. Everyone does.

Watching my charming father at work is entertaining. At nearly 92 and never too tall, he still draws people like a magnet.

It was a gloomy grey day when we recently met for lunch. As our regular server passed by with a pot of coffee, he said, “There’s our sunshine!” She melted into a broad smile and stopped to talk.

Sometimes my mother was jealous of my dad’s attentions to other women, like an old family friend that he once spent a lot of time helping. But his being faithful was always assured. They had been through so much together. We often saw them kiss and touch each other affectionately. My mother loved reading romance novels, but real life was better.

One night a tenant complained about a plumbing problem. Something didn’t sound right. It was late, but my father agreed to go. When he got to the door, the woman welcomed him in her birthday suit.

He walked past her and found the toilet in perfect working order. He said, “It seems to be fixed now,” and left.

- Irene Plett

Topics: love, romance, Valentine’s Day, Surrey Community Cat Coalition, single life, Peter Plett, Ursula Plett