Listen to “Grandma’s Special Valentine” on Spreaker.
Grandma’s Special Valentine…
One chilly February afternoon, Emily was visiting her Grandma Rose’s house. The sweet scent of cinnamon cookies filled the air as she sat at the kitchen table, sipping warm cocoa.
“Grandma,” Emily said, “Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I want to make the best card ever! But I don’t know what to write. Do you think Valentine’s Day is only for sweethearts?”
Grandma Rose chuckled. “Oh, no, my dear. Valentine’s Day is about love in all forms—family, friends, and special people who touch our hearts.”
Emily took a bite of her cookie, deep in thought. “Have you ever gotten a really special Valentine?”
Grandma’s eyes twinkled. “In fact, I have. Would you like to see it?”
Emily nodded eagerly.
Grandma led her up the creaky attic stairs. The attic smelled of old books and memories. Sunlight peeked through a round window, casting a warm glow over the wooden floor. Grandma walked over to an old wooden chest, lifted the lid, and carefully pulled out a small, faded pink envelope.
“This,” she said, handing it to Emily, “is my most special Valentine.”
Emily carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a beautiful, hand-drawn Valentine’s Day card with delicate lace edges. The words inside read:
“To my dearest Rose,
Your smile brightens my days,
Your laughter is my favorite melody,
And you will always have my heart.
Forever yours, Thomas.”
Emily looked up in surprise. “Who’s Thomas?”
Grandma smiled wistfully and sat down on an old rocking chair. “Thomas was my very best friend when I was your age. We lived in the same neighborhood, and we did everything together—climbed trees, raced bicycles, and even built snow forts in winter.”
Emily leaned closer. “Did he give you this card when you were kids?”
Grandma shook her head. “Not yet. Let me tell you the whole story.”
A Love That Grew…
“When we were in school, Thomas and I were always partners for class projects. But as we grew older, he moved away with his family. I was heartbroken. We promised to write letters, but as time passed, we lost touch.
Years later, when I was a young woman, I went to a Valentine’s Day dance in town. And guess who I saw standing by the punch bowl?”
Emily gasped. “Thomas?”
Grandma nodded. “It was like no time had passed at all! We talked, we laughed, and before I knew it, we were best friends again. That night, he gave me this card—the first Valentine he ever gave me. And, my dear Emily, do you know what happened next?”
Emily shook her head, eyes wide.
Grandma chuckled. “We fell in love and got married a few years later. That’s why this Valentine is so special to me.”
Emily held the card carefully, feeling the love that had lasted for so many years. “That’s the most beautiful Valentine story ever,” she whispered.
Then, a thought struck her. “Wait… Grandma, you said his name was Thomas. But Grandpa’s name is Tom. Is that… the same person?”
Grandma’s eyes sparkled. “Yes, my dear. Your grandpa’s full name is Thomas, but he’s always gone by Tom. He’s the same boy who gave me this card all those years ago.”
Emily’s jaw dropped. “Grandpa Tom wrote this? That’s so romantic!”
Grandma laughed softly. “It is, isn’t it? He’s always been my best friend and my greatest love.”
Emily’s Special Valentine…
That night, as Emily lay in bed, she thought about Grandma’s story. Valentine’s Day wasn’t just about giving cards—it was about showing love in special ways.
The next morning, she gathered her craft supplies—red paper, markers, lace, and glitter. She worked carefully, making the most beautiful Valentine she had ever created.
When she finished, she wrote inside:
“Dear Grandma,
Your stories are my favorite,
Your hugs are the warmest,
And you will always have my heart.
Forever your Emily.”
On Valentine’s Day, Emily handed Grandma the card. Grandma read it, her eyes shining with happy tears.
“Oh, Emily,” she whispered, hugging her tightly. “This is the most special Valentine I’ve ever received.”
Emily beamed. “Now we both have a special Valentine to treasure forever.”
And from that day on, Emily knew that the best Valentine’s cards weren’t just about hearts and lace—they were about love that lasts a lifetime.
The End!
Follow-up questions for the story:
- Why was Grandma Rose’s Valentine so special to her?
- How did Emily show her love for Grandma in a meaningful way?
- What do you think makes a Valentine’s Day card truly special?