Valentine’s proposal was a loving treat

Snow covered streets and buildings created a beautiful backdrop to the excitement of the graduating class of Brooklyn College in February 1969.
My closest friends were getting engaged and planning careers. The women’s movement gave us a feeling of empowerment. We could get married, have children and still have careers. There was no stopping us. We were out to change the world!
From the moment I met Marcel in the Brooklyn College bookstore, I knew I would marry him.( My mom told me if I stayed by the science books in the college bookstore I would meet a “docta.”)
We did meet in the bookstore; in the biology section. He drove me home that day and showed up every morning to drive me to school.
He also came over every night to see me at my parents’ apartment. He always had a Hershey chocolate bar with him. He knew I loved it. He would keep one in his coat pocket and say, “It’s Hershey time,” and it was better than a bouquet of flowers. That candy bar was my special treat.

On Valentine’s Eve he came to the door looking especially happy. I took his coat and hung it up. He complained that parking was impossible on East 18th street. I joked that if he married me he wouldn’t have to look for parking every night. He laughed and said, “It’s Hershey time.”
Opening the closet, I looked in his coat and felt a small box. This was no candy bar! I pulled it out opened it and saw a magnificent diamond ring.
“I screamed, ‘ma …look!”
He sat on the couch smiling with delight. I said “Yes” and we made plans to get married in August, move to the optometry dorm in Philadelphia and find me a teaching job.
How my life changed that special night.
Valentine’s Day is still the perfect day to propose. Every year is a renewed celebration of your commitment to each other.
So if you are thinking of popping the question, do it on Valentine’s Day. For all those who start their new lives like that, I wish you the best of luck.

Weinberger is a North Woodmere.