February

The month for lovers.  Or is it just 'love'?  My father is often on my mind in February.  He was so good at having something small to give to each of us, to let us know just what we meant to him.  I remember so many holidays coming home to just a tiny stuffed bear, or a heart of sweets and a card.  It became expected and as far as I remember we were never disappointed. 

I didn't realize until much later in my life that not everyone considered the day to be for expressing your love to everyone who you felt that deeply about.  Most only choose a 'sweetheart' to single out and allow to bask in their attentions.  Surely we often have a special someone to whom our sentiments are focused, but for those who do not, and even for those who do, I would offer the example of my father, who let a little girl, a struggling teen, and even a young mother know that she was part of his 'valentine' love sharing. 

My children and I have grown up through the years pasting and gluing and cutting and making a grand mess.  It was much more work in the years when I had four in school and we made 30+ a piece.  Sometimes towards the end, I know it became more a chore than an effort of love.  Still, after all that those in our life do for us, sometimes it was important to just set things aside and focus on those wonderful feelings of 'love'.  I guess it is still important. 

Wishing you and yours a most wonderful holiday with all the tender feelings that humanity is famous for. 

 
The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr.  The emperor was Claudius II.  The Christian was Valentines. 
Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians.  But Valentines was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.  He was arrested and imprisoned.  During the last weeks of Valentines' life, a remarkable thing happened.  Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked if id daughter, Julia, might be taught to Valentines for lessons.  She had been blind since birth. 

Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind.  Valentines read stories of Rome's history to her.  He described the world of nature to her.  He taught her arithmetic and told her about God.  She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom and found comfort in his quiet strength. 
"Valentines, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day. 
"Yes my child, He hears each one" He replied. 
"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night?  I pray that I might see.  I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"
"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him" Valentines said. 
"Oh, Valentines, I do believe, " Julia said intensely.  "I do."
She knelt and grasped his hand.  Then they prayed together. 
Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell.  Radiant, Julia cried, "Valentines, I can see! I can see!"
"Praise be to God!" Valentines exclaimed. 
On the eve of his death, Valentines wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God, and to share her love with the world.  He signed it, "From your Valentine." 
His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D.  Near a gate that was later named Porta Valentine in his memory.  He was buried at what is not the Church of Prasedes in Rome. 
It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tee near his grave.  Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.  On each February 14, St. Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are exchanged around the world. 

A very special not to you, to let you know that you are well thought of, and that on this day, your name, and the tender relationship that we share is brought to mind.  Much love on this day and always....