The following is the first in a series of Valentine (or generally love-related) stories submitted by UCD readers.  We apologize for the extreme delay in posting them; the Family Channel producer has been in bed with a broken ankle since Super Bowl Sunday.

The first two years we were married, my husband Eric worked in the restaurant industry.  The last six, he's been underway [with the Coast Guard] most of January through March.  In 1998, when we were living in Massachusetts, there was a marriage retreat Valentine's weekend.  I attended the morning session with another couple in our Bible talk.  That evening, I was to drive down to Baltimore to meet and spend the weekend with Eric.  I had only had my driver's license for about six weeks, and I was scared to death!  I returned home to pack, and someone was in our apartment.  Eric had found an inexpensive flight and come home just for a day!  It was cheaper than trying to find lodging and safer than having me drive alone.  He just surprised me.  I thought it was very sweet, and I was very encouraged.