Valentine's Day baskets and Easter baskets have always been big in my family. As kids we could expect heart-shaped boxes and baskets filled with balloons, bears and our favorite treats. (I've always been partial to the puffy chocolate hearts filled with strawberry or marshmallow cream.) As an eye-rolling pre-teenager, mother continued to deliver big baskets of stuffed animals and chocolates to me and my sister.

It was a sad day as a freshman at the University of Arkansas, when I realized that for the first time I wouldn't be getting my Valentine's Day treat from my mother. It was mid-week, I was in Fayetteville, she was in Conway, and I realized that I was finally too old to get my special gift. We talked on the phone that morning wishing each other lots of love but I was too tough to tell her that I was missing my annual 'surprise' gift.

I went to my classes and that afternoon when I returned to Fulbright Hall, there was a note in my mailbox that I had a package. What? I got the box from the office worker and saw mother's handwriting on the package. I can't believe I made it back to my room without my huge smile giving me lockjaw!

The box contained all my favorite candy and a brand-new, straight from the Colony Shop, lilac Polo shirt with a lime green polo. She really delivered!

Here's hoping you have the best Valentine's Day ever or at least have great thoughts of this day to remember!