My son bought a Valentine for the girl at school he likes. It did not look like this:

Because that is SO second grade and he is wise and mature beyond his 12 years. Instead, what he did was, he bought a white teddy bear, so fluffy and soft, with clasped hands. Inside the clasped hands he nestled a ten dollar gift card and then put it in a decorative bag. With tissue. And ribbons.

This is how I know it is serious.

Because today is also her birthday, he signed the simple blank card attached to the gift bag,
“Happy Birthentines day! From your manly friend, Kaileb. P.S. I am manly.”

He is so clever, that one! And humble as well. When I was twelve I was so poor and stupid I was making construction paper hearts with “Happy V Day!” hastily scrawled across the front with whatever marker was handy, then throwing them out at random strangers in a vain attempt to garner some interest, but not really caring if it went over at all.

These kids today. They don’t know how good they got it. I hope she appreciates the effort.