Valentine’s Day

Love is the fire that warms our hearts, the wind that drives our imaginations, and the water that refreshes our souls. Time spent together is never enough for those in love with each other. As the romantic saying goes: “If I had my life to live over again, next time I would find you sooner so that I could love you longer!” Valentine’s Day is commemorated on February 14 as a special day of love and affection.

According to an ancient legend, Saint Valentine tried to convert Roman Emperor Claudius II to Christianity and was sentenced to death.

While in prison, he performed a miracle by healing Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer Asterius. On the evening before his execution, he supposedly sent her the first “valentine” card signed as “Your Valentine.” Another legend suggests that Saint Valentine performed clandestine Christian weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. Claudius II supposedly believed that married men did not make good soldiers.

Over time, Valentine’s Day has become associated with romantic love and close friendship. The custom of sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts originated in the United Kingdom and was adopted in many other countries around the world. The US Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the United States. Half of them are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. That figure goes up to 1 billion when the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities are included. Interestingly, schoolteachers receive the most valentine’s cards. We should remember that our words are meaningful only to the extent they are confirmed by our actions. So, let’s take advantage of this day to proclaim and demonstrate our love and affection to those who are dear to us.

You could also include a word of gratitude to someone who helped you through past difficulties but perhaps is no longer as close to you as he or she once was. By sending a message and perhaps a simple, inexpensive gift, we demonstrate that the recipient is special to us. Regardless of the response, we are sowing seeds of love!