Valentine's Day Musings
Today is the the 33rd Valentine's Day I have celebrated with my dear, sweet husband!  He has never forgotten a birthday, Mother's Day or this special occasion in all that time.  He brought me roses today...on his way back from a doctor's appointment.  Even in our old age, Walter is a real romantic!
This coming weekend marks 4 years since our daughter in law's younger brother Matthew, passed away suddenly from a virus that went septic.  He would have been 15 a month later, so that means he would turn 19 next month.  Such a difficult anniversary to remember.  Thus Valentine's Day isn't very special to Amy, as it is so close to this sad time of year.
For others who have lost spouses, it is a tough day.  The one who held that special place and would give flowers or some other romantic gift, is gone.  The loneliness can become more pronounced.  Memories can cause smiles and tears.  I am thinking of those who need that extra expression of love today!
For single folks who are not in romantic relationships, some feel a sharp pang on a day like today.  When Hallmark and flower shops do one of their highest income profit days, others are feeling alone and frustrated with all the emphasis on dating and love and marriage.  Why all the fuss? Valentine's Day wasn't even originally about that kind of love, anyways.
The original festival in Roman times was "Lupercalia...which celebrated the coming of spring, including fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery." (www.britannica.com)  According to one source, this pagan festival was replaced by Pope Gelasius to honour two martyrs of the faith, both named Valentine (killed by Emperor Claudius II). In the 14th and 15th centuries, it became associated with love and romance and "lovebirds" in early spring.  by the 18th century, England had adopted this occasion for gift-giving, cards and candies. 
I am blessed to be showered with love and gifts throughout the year, and especially to be honoured on Valentine's Day as my husband's sweetheart!
And to bask in the love of God my Father, who loves me with an everlasting love.
That's what I wish and pray for my family and friends today!