A Real Valentine Story
By Millie The Accidental Cook 
What was it that my Grandpa saw in my Daddy that caused him to agree to the marriage between my Momma and Daddy so many years ago?
My Grandpa (per all of the stories I’ve heard of him – he died when I was 4-5 years old) was a very strict God-fearing man. He was very protective of his daughters.
My Daddy, at the time, was not a church-going man. He was a fun-loving and mischievous fellow. I can just imagine his reaction to my Momma. She was a tiny, very beautiful young lady. She so wanted to be a school teacher as her grandmother had been. However, due to her overprotective father, she never attained that position. Many times we talked of her ambitions while she was hospitalized prior to her death. It was the first time we ever discussed this. She really never understood his reasoning. As she lay in that hospital bed, nearing the departure of her life here on this earth, it was important to her that she should share that with me.
Momma was 18 years old when Grandpa George gave his permission for her to marry the dashing young man of 25. He not only gave permission; he also carried her to town for her to select the material for her wedding dress.
I can imagine the excitement and exhilaration she must have felt, seeing her Daddy approve of the man she was to marry. Grandpa had many daughters as well as sons and I would think that they had kept a good eye on their little sister. I’ve heard stories of how they protected their own. Their dates consisted of walking some miles to church and back twice on Sunday with her family. They were allowed to sit on the front porch and visit at times.
And so it was on that eve of Saint Valentine’s Day, oh so many years ago, that my Momma became my Daddy’s bride. She must have been so beautiful in that shiny satin dress made for that special occasion. I can just see the pride beaming in Grandpa George’s eyes as his beautiful little girl became my Daddy’s missus.
It would be 4 or 5 years before they would have their first child and it would be a union that would last some 58 years. Of that marriage union, five of their children would celebrate 50 or more years of marriage.
I still don’t understand how my overprotective Grandpa would approve the marriage of my fun-loving, carefree Daddy to his little 18-year-old daughter. It must have been that thing called wisdom or discernment or maybe my Momma’s unquestioning his authority that led him to accept my Daddy as my Momma’s choice.
I don’t understand how but I sure am glad he did, so during this Valentine season and in celebration of my parent’s wedding day, I’d like to say to Grandpa George and each of you, thanks, and “Happy Valentine’s Day”!
My recipe in celebration of this Valentine’s Day is colorful and tasty. Hope you enjoy it!
Valentine’s Day Celebration Cake
What more appropriate recipe of sorts to have for you this week than that of a Red Velvet Cake. This is not my recipe and you can actually use the already prepared cake mix (that’s what I use). Follow the directions on the box. You will only need the layers.
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix – (prepared and baked as directed)
- 1 large container of Cool Whip
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (your choice, my choice are toasted pecans)
- 1 container of chocolate syrup
- Red stemmed cherries
In a very tall, crystal clear stemmed glass – place approximately one inch of Cool Whip break the red velvet cake into pieces; place on top of Cool Whip; add crushed nuts; repeat until you reach the top of the glass; drizzle chocolate syrup on the very top, sprinkle with crushed nuts & add a cherry on top. Use a long spoon, sit back and enjoy the taste.
Have A Happy Valentine’s Day!
Til next time,
Millie – The Accidental Cook
