Valentine's Day

I have had good and bad valentine's days. To be honest it has felt a little creepy, sometimes, this holiday; a day when people are obligated to put on a public show of their love. On the other hand, I love being a part of this kind of "groupthink," where masses of people are all thinking of love and romance, and hopefully redeeming things like charity and love for our fellow man, in general.

Roses are awesome. But I don't really need them.
Chocolate... now that's something different. If there ever is an excuse for chocolate, then I will definitely be in on it.

For me, this has become a sweet reminder, though. Skywalker proposed to me on Valentine's Day. Yes, I know it's cliche. But it is also sweet, when you think about it. Because I have had difficult Valentine's days, that practically erases it all and makes it about "us" and not necessarily about public display and gift-giving.

One thing that does make me tender-hearted about Valentine's day is the feeling I had in my home growing up, that it was a day to show anyone you loved them. Not just a romantic partner. Mom found a way to show all of us she loved us on valentine's day. I didn't date much in high school but I got a rose from my mom. And it was just as special (perhaps more so) than when I got roses from a boyfriend or spouse. "I Love You," I say it a lot to Skywalker, and he says it a lot to me. But to have a day to focus on that love really is a good reminder. And to show those around us we love them... it's kind of a nice way of breaking the ice if we're not used to saying those words.

So it's kind of like Wesley on Princess Bride, when he said "As You Wish?" Instead, today it's "Happy Valentine's Day."

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.