THE MESSAGE

In an old family scrapbook, yellowed with age, is a collection of faded Valentine cards. Each card reveals the secret, heart-felt message, “You are special,” “I Love You,” or even “Be Mine.” The words are simple but declare a sweet message of one person’s feelings toward the other.
Among this tattered collection is a heart-shaped card adorned with garlands of violets and pansies intertwined with bits of ribbon and lace. Two girls, donned with brimmed-hats and mufflers, center the card and each is holding a bouquet of flowers. The card’s inscription, written in well-practiced penmanship, reads simply, “To Liz, From Quincy.”
One can only envision the smitten suitor, clad in boyish knickers and cap, carefully selecting the perfect Valentine card for his soon-to-be sweetheart. The challenge is to deliver the Valentine message without appearing to be too bold. So Quincy cleverly attaches a string to the card before placing it on the front porch, knocks on the door, and then runs to hide behind the bush. Liz, desiring to know which beau is her secret admirer, stoops to retrieve the treasured Valentine only to find it slipping from her fingers as Quincy tugs at the string. The playful teasing ends as Liz reluctantly shuts the door but not before first glancing at the card’s inscription, which reads simply, “To Liz, From Quincy.” Much to Quincy’s delight and Liz’s pleasure, the Valentine message is delivered, “Be Mine.” Oh, yes, the message is perfectly clear, “I am thinking of you. You are special to me. Please be mine!”