As she stood there watching, I knew it was going to happen. I can only imagine what was going through her mind. And, in less than perfect form I did it. It was quick, it was painful and I will never forget it. Neither will she.
Looking back, I can make all kinds of excuses for myself. It was my first time. I was nervous. She kept moving as I made my move. But of course, it is futile to make excuses for doing something like this. She looked gorgeous by the way. And as I arrived I knew it had to be done. I must perform the ceremonial pinning of the rose on her dress.
Now, by no means was I scared. In fact, my young, pubescent, mischievous mind became very excited about getting to be that close to her. And, as I gently, but nervously reached just inside her beautiful dress, her soft skin made my insides stir. Did I mention she was gorgeous? Unfortunately, I had a sharp, pointy needle between my fingers. In my other hand was the perfect little red rose I had picked out at the florist. Deep breath.
Getting the pin through the stem of the rose was the hard part. It was also my undoing. I nervously began to thread the needle through the stem of the rose. Looking into her eyes as I did it, we traded nervous smiles. Her eyes sparkled. Then I looked down in fright as the needle went through the stem of the rose. Prick! And, that’s exactly what I felt like. I had succeeded not in pinning the rose on her dress, but rather I had also pinned the needle right into her soft skin causing just a touch of blood to seep through the dress. “OUCH!” Her reaction both startled and shattered me. I think I just ruined Valentine’s Day.
“I’m so sorry!” I attempted to apologize, but at that point she wasn’t having it. My blunder, only saved by her mother coming to her aid, was too painful to forgive just seconds afterward.
Thankfully, her mother successfully pinned the rose and stopped the bleeding. The dress, of course was not ruined and Valentine’s Day would go on. However, it is a memory that will live on in my mind. And, as I think back now, it not only serves to humble me, but provides a touch of humor to the act that lives on in every young man’s experience. Who hasn’t pinned a needle square into someone’s chest? Thank God for those new wrist corsages. For they have saved Valentine’s Day for those too nervous to pin the rose into a girl’s dress.