I clearly have been less than prolific during the last month and two weeks. Its just been a quiet time and unless I have something to say I’m not the kind of writer who can just blow out 500 words a day.  That is, however, something to aspire to as time marches ahead.  In the meantime allow me to wish all readers of this blog a very happy Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that I have gone back and forth on during the years. When I was a kid in love I couldn’t wait to rush out to get flowers and cards for the women with whom I was romantically involved.  As the years passed and my heart had been bruised a bit I began to feel that Valentines Day was filled with forced sentiment that we were all being marketed to express on February 14 of each year for the benefit of florists and Hallmark.  

During the early years of our relationship my wife Katherine felt the brunt of my ambivalence about Valentine’s Day and it did hurt her feelings when I didn’t produce even a minimum of Valentine’s cheer.  I guess it was something that I just had to work for myself. There was something about the obligation to be romantic on a schedule that just rubbed me the wrong way. Jumping forward, after 13 years together I can genuinely say that I enjoy and even look forward to Valentine’s Day because it offers me and all of us a chance to reaffirm that one or those several relationships that truly make a difference in our lives. I couldn’t be more grateful for the life and love I share with Katherine.  She is the touchstone to my best self and the anchor point of my present and future.

I just went out and got roses and a card for Katherine…she gave me a very sweet musical card this morning and will make chocolate chip cookies for me tonight because she knows I love them. What could be better than that?  Valentine’s Day gives all of us a chance to tell those we love, in whatever way we choose, that they are essential and precious in our lives. In my case the florists and Hallmark benefit too.  

So today, go get that special someone flowers, candy, a card or whatever communicates the  love and affection you feel. Don’t fight the commercial implications. Valentine’s Day warms the heart and stimulates the economy too.  It’s a win/win for all of us. Enjoy the day!