A Valentine's Day Surprise By Don Alhart
She dropped the hint over breakfast coffee one morning.
My wife, Mary, was perusing the latest Tiffany’s Catalog. “If you’re thinking of anything for Valentine’s Day,” she said, “I would love this Starfish Pendant.”
“Sure”, I said, like a typical husband, after checking the price. “Maybe a box of chocolates, but I’m not spending that much for Valentine’s Day."
Then, I quietly began my Valentine’s Plan for 2011.
I went online and ordered the necklace. When I came to the point where I had to fill out the shipping information, I decided to have it delivered to Channel 13.
Otherwise, she would be home when the UPS person dropped it off, and that would spoil the surprise. After all- it’s all about the surprise!
How happy I was on the Wednesday before Valentine’s Day to see the package outside my office door when I got to work.
I couldn’t wait to open it and worked carefully to tackle a rather large cardboard box, which contained such a tiny pendant inside.
I had almost finished the task when suddenly—there was “Breaking News”. A congressman was resigning- apparently for trying to cheat on his Valentine. In my haste, I simply set the package on the floor- not too far from my wastebasket. (You can see where this is going, already!)
That evening, I paid little attention as the clean-up crew came to my office. I was on the phone when they emptied my trash. I waved. He smiled. My office was clean.
I drove home after the 11 o’clock news for my nightly ritual of spending an hour with my wife watching a primetime show she had recorded.
It was during the opening credits of “Modern Family’s” Valentine show- that I suddenly remembered-- The Necklace!
Not to spoil the surprise, I quietly sent an e-mail from my phone to our overnight producer, Seth Palmer. “Seth, please check my office and see if there is a half-opened cardboard box on the floor—or anywhere in my office. My wife’s Valentine’s gift is inside”
Within minutes, Seth confirmed there was no such box. Within minutes, I uttered just one word—which I won’t repeat here!
“What’s wrong?” asked my wife. “I have to go back to work,” I said, and was then forced to explain- and thus spoil my Valentine’s Surprise.
“You’re not going alone”, she said. And shortly, thereafter, we were both on our way to Channel 13.
A quick check of my office confirmed what Seth had dutifully reported, and then we were off to the loading dock—and the dumpsters!
1:45 in the morning. Temperature- 15 degrees. There I was- diving- well—reaching into the dumpster—in the dead of night- with memories of playing Go Fish—and childhood birthday parties. (Only in this case –I was diving for a Starfish)
Thankfully, our station is environmentally conscious. My first “pass” was the dumpster which contains recyclables. I grabbed one bag- and it immediately began to break.
“Careful”, said my wife, “You’re going to lose it all!” Papers did fall out—but in the midst of those papers—a cardboard box- also fell out. And inside- carefully wrapped in tissue- the familiar turquoise colored gift box. Not quite Breakfast at Tiffany’s. More like a midnight snack. A COLD midnight snack!!
It ended with a kiss on the loading dock- at 2AM- with the temperature still around 15 degrees. I didn’t feel cold, though. The warm feeling of being with my “Valentine” of 41 years was enough.
And when it comes to future Valentine surprises, I’m going to have a tough time topping this one!
