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Read Me a Bedtime: Story A Valentine’s Day Story

Read Me a Bedtime Story

A Valentine’s Day Story

Jonathan Joy

The Ashland Beacon

 

Valentine’s Day was close, and Ms. Hastings encouraged her pupils to bring a Valentine’s card for every student in the class.  “We’ll exchange them at this year’s Valentine’s Day party.”    

This was Angi Miller’s favorite time of year.  Angi had a big, kind heart, you see, and she loved to have an excuse to do something nice for her peers.  Valentine’s Day was all about spreading kindness.      

Most kids brought store bought themed cards.  Star Wars, Transformers, and the WWE were popular choices.  There were a lot of superheroes, too.  Everyone loves superheroes.  Whatever the theme, the cards were vibrant and carried encouraging messages of friendship and love.  Some came with a pencil, or a piece of candy attached.

Angi enjoyed making her own valentines.  She was often complimented for her creativity and craftiness, and Valentine’s Day was just another day to exercise this skill. 

The night before the big Valentine’s Day party and card exchange, you’d find young Angi Miller at home surrounded by stationery, paints, crayons, and her special markers.  She’d make good use of mom’s Cricut, as well.

Angi liked to tailor these cards to each individual student.  It was time-consuming, but worth it. 

She knew Johnny took gymnastics classes in the evenings and so her card to him read, “Valentine, you make me leap with joy!”  Johnny thought the card was super cool and, to celebrate, he did a cartwheel on the spot.  “Thanks, Angi.  That’s a cool card.”

“No cartwheels in the classroom, Johnny!”  Ms. Hastings scolded.   

Angi’s friend Lulu had recently become extremely interested in space exploration, so Angi’s card to her read, “You’re out of this world, Valentine!”  Lulu, who was sporting a NASA sweatshirt and alien earrings that matched her UFO themed Trapper Keeper, was thrilled.  “That’s perfect, Angi.  Thanks!”

Carlos’s family had just moved here from Guatemala, and, so far, he’d had a hard time fitting in.  Angi did a bit of research and learned that in Guatemala Valentine’s Day is referred to as “Affection Day.”  Her card for him read, “¡Feliz día del cariño!”  In Spanish that means, “Happy Affection Day!”  This made Carlos smile.  He felt warm and welcomed by the gesture.

Angi’s classmate Prim was shy and quiet, keeping to themself most of the time.  Angi recently stood up to some older kids bullying Prim, making fun of the rainbow Pride pin on their bag.  Angi’s bright rainbow decorated card to Prim read, “I can’t walk in your shoes, but I will walk beside you.”  Prim beamed with appreciation.

Even mean old Travis Payne got a card.  Angi’s note to him read, “You’re not nice, but I hope you have a pleasant Valentine’s Day anyway.”  Travis rolled his eyes, discarding Angi’s message, though he helped himself to the strawberry flavored sucker that was included.  

Cards were exchanged, candy was devoured, and laughs filled the room.  The day was a huge success.  After getting the children all hopped up on sugar, Ms. Hastings unleashed them on to their parents at the end of the school day.  Ms. Hastings appreciated the silence that followed. 

Angi couldn’t help but feel a bit deflated, for one of her favorite holidays had come and gone.  She perked up again when she realized, “St. Patrick’s Day is just five weeks away!” 

I have a feeling Angi’s green markers, emerald paints, and small plastic pots of gold from Oriental Trading will be put to good use soon. 

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, readers!

  

 

 

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ABOUT US

 

The Ashland Beacon’s owners, Philip and Lora Stewart, Kimberly Smith, and Jason Smith, established The Greater Ashland Beacon in 2011 and over the years the Beacon has grown into what you see now… a feel-good, weekly newspaper that brings high quality news about local events, youth sports, and inspiring people that are important to you. The Greater Ashland Beacon prides itself in maintaining a close relationship with the community and love nothing more than to see businesses, youth, and civic organizations in the surrounding areas of Boyd and Greenup counties thrive. 

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