John Sheda

Now, this column is not going to be easy for many of you. It’s not exactly tough love stuff but it’s something, that’s for sure. Before I begin, let me state two indisputable facts; Deb, (the wife), and I love each other very very much and we have experienced about 44 years of celebrating Valentines Day with each other. Forty-one of these years as husband and wife and several in those “a-courtin days.” Another indisputable fact is that this is America and we darn well can spend Valentine’s Day any way we want to. You have your way and we have ours. Haruuumph!

Here are more facts; couples spend approximately $134 for the celebration of Valentine’s Day. This includes such romantic things like dinner for two, beautiful gifts, flowers, cards and of course chocolate. Maybe even some romantic lingerie, but to be honest, I never looked very good in it. Men traditionally spend about $108 and women about $49. A dozen red roses, a soft cute little teddy bear, a weekend get-away and perfume also make great gifts for that special person in your life.

Ah, guys, if you haven’t done any of this by now–IT’S TOO LATE! The big day was last Sunday!!! Just apologize, beg forgiveness and hope the proverbial dog house is relatively clean.

Here was Valentine’s Day at John and Debs. First church. I didn’t really want to go last Sunday, but Deb reminded me that as Pastor, I had to go. During church, the snow fell. And fell. And fell. By noon, it was blowing and several inches deep. We had separate vehicles. Deb went home after church and I followed a little later. She stopped at Burger King and bought a nice romantic lunch for the two of us. In a nice take home sack too. I ordered four, (was hungry) burgers off the dollar menu and she ordered something else. She paid!! Yeaaaaaaaa.

We ate. Deb curled up on the couch and napped. Not me. I multi-tasked by eating, reading the Sunday paper, watching golf on TV and every now and then closing my eyes while reflecting on my powerful and anointed message that day. That, my great friends was Valentine’s Day for John and Deb.

Oh, wait……we did give each other a card. Deb’s card was very nice and she wrote these words; “Roses are red, Violets are blue. Hugs & Kisses from me to you.” Awwwwwwww. Love that girl.

Mine went like this; “Hun, we’ve been together 41 years. Shared lots of laughter & lots of tears. Hope for at least 30 more, (or till); Chalk lines mark us on the floor.” She was moved. And speechless.

So counting the cards, (mine wasn’t exactly a card; more like a note on a nice piece of paper) and the delicious meal at Burger King, the Sheda’s spent a grand total of $12.68. And we’re both so looking forward to next year’s Valentine’s Day. Who knows what surprises are in store???? That’s the way it is here. Let me know how you spend Valentine’s Day at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640.