Oh, Valentine’s Day…
Oh, Valentine’s Day… You never fail to bewitch me.
According to Wikipedia… “The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote “from your Valentine” as a farewell to her.” …Seriously though, can it get any more romantic?
Ever since I was a little girl Valentine’s Day has been something special… I again, blame my Ma. Between her spoiling us on Sweetest Day, Our Birthday’s and everyday in between, Valentine’s was another day for my Ma to let us know how much we were loved… And that she did.
In school, I loved the excitement and silliness of Valentine’s. I loved the creative spirit of making little Valentine’s Day mailboxes because let’s face it, who didn’t like getting mail as a kid!? I loved going to the store and picking out the one kind of card that best represented you… I remember the year I chose a football, basketball, baseball sports theme, Ma wasn’t sure what to do when she couldn’t talk me into Lisa Frank’s puppies and rainbows theme. I loved my teachers handing out class lists in Elementary School so we would write every kid in class a Valentine… Including the smelly one who picked his nose… (If you don’t remember who that kid was, chances are, it was you.) I still remember sitting down, writing mine and going back to double check to make sure I didn’t miss anyone. I would think “Even if I don’t really play with them on the playground, it is still important for them to know they are special.” Maybe most important, I remember sitting down and opening my Valentine’s. Little cards from people who maybe I knew, maybe I didn’t, but the whole time just thinking how special I must be that someone would take the time to write me a card… Silly, yes, probably. Essential, of course.
As I have grown up I have slowly been introduced to “The Haters of All Things Valentine’s” You know the people I am talking about (and if you don’t, then, you probably are one. Sorry.) I have a deep-seeded belief that the people who have the “whatever” attitude do it just to protect themselves… Let’s face it, we all want to know and be reminded that we are loved and thought of at least one day out of the year (besides our Birthday’s of course!) Yes, I totally agree, Hallmark may have made this “holiday” over the top… And we all know Social Media’s highlight reels don’t help… BUT…
Instead of looking at it as a day to drink the Haterade or get Spoiled Rotten, maybe we can look at is as a day to bless others with love… The old lady down the street who is a widow would LOVE to get an anonymous single rose letting her know she is loved. The single Mama working like crazy to make ends meet might love a simple little gift card for a cup of coffee. The Dude behind you at the gas station (Ladies, proceed with caution on that one.) The Chick serving you lunch (Dudes, also proceed with caution.) We all want to know we are loved and special and appreciated. This Valentine’s I challenge you with the same challenge I am giving myself… Instead of it being about me or you, let’s make it about THEM. I assure you for as much as I love getting two dozen long stem red roses or a new pair of pink and white running shoes or diamond stud earrings (which have all made ahhhhmazing Valentine’s Day gifts) I love GIVING them much, much more. Join me in #TheVDayMovement and let’s spread the LOVE… Not only on Valentine’s but everyday!
Cheers, Dez