Best gift ever!

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I have a long history with gift-giving. When I was younger, it was harder to give the gifts I truly wanted to give because I usually had no source of income. So, I’d spend a lot of time making gifts. I’d get really creative and decorate picture frames containing memorable moments and bake cookies. Now, I’ve been able to buy gifts that are worth a little more, while still being creative as possible. On Valentine’s Day, I bought my boyfriend Travis a gift card to buy any shoes he wanted. But, it was his gift that I will never forget.

After many reservations and then cancelled reservations, he suggested that he cook for me. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to you, but TO ME, it was a huge gesture. Firstly, Travis does not cook — besides packaged saimin, grilled cheese sandwiches and paninis. Still, I cancelled the latest Valentine’s reservation because he was making the effort.

Saturday came and Travis began cooking at 4 p.m. I wasn’t allowed to enter the kitchen nor ask questions. I had absolutely no idea what he had planned. All I knew was that before coming over, he had the hardest time at the grocery store. I was truly worried, not that the food would be bad, but that he’d have a nervous breakdown! I was so scared for him.

During the next five hours, I stayed in his room catching up on “Parenthood” episodes. Travis would sporadically pop his head in and reaffirm that he was OK and that everything was looking good. This helped. By the end of the fifth hour, he was done with desert and our dinner.

The spread consisted of Parmesan chicken baked in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese (Chicken Parmesan). There was butter-tossed bow tie pasta and fresh cheese to garnish! He also made my favorite desert: Apple Betty. My love for this man sky-rocketed! Not only was the dinner beyond amazing, but also My Valentine was so proud of himself. He was so happy that I was happy, reiterating the genuine happiness gift-giving brings to gift givers.






For the next few nights after, he would try in little ways to keep cooking for me, a gesture I will never tire of. I am usually the cook, and it has been so nice to be the one being cooked for. His gift was worth a million more than the shoes I bought him. What a perfect gift; truly the most special gift he’s ever given me.

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