Valentines Day

There are many legends about Valentine's Day. One legend says that a third century Roman priest named Valentine defied an order given by Claudius the second. Claudius thought single men made better soldiers so he forbade the sacrement of marriage. Valentine continued to marry couples in secret. He was put to death for his defiance. Lots of other stories are told. One thing is clear. Valentine's Day began as a tribute to the best we have within us. Later, the idea of sending romantic valentine cards came into being. So today is really a celebration of what we do for others the whole year long, and how we live out our mission here on earth.

My first remembrance of Valentine's Day is art class in the first grade. We were given several sheets of construction paper and told to make a beautiful valentine. I could not hold the paper and cut out a free hand heart. I tried over and over. I finally ended up with a small square of blue paper for my valentine card. Other students had made beautiful red hearts with lace around them. We had to go to the third grade and show off our creations. I was dreading it, but when my name was called I proudly held up my valentine. Much to my amazement, someone liked my card. That made me feel so happy. This incident took place at Monticello Grade School.

We always had such nice parties at Monticello School. We got good things to eat. We played fun games. The parties were relaxing, not stressful at all. That's because we had wise teachers. On Valentine's Day we all got lots of valentine cards. I remember each class had a big box decorated in red and white paper. It had a slot so we could drop our cards into the box. The teacher, or the room mother, delivered our cards to us at the valentine party.

I am thankful for these childhood memories. Life was far less complicated back then. I am also thankful that I have my Fiddler Kin in my life. In many ways,they represent the best life has to offer. Happy Valentine's Day.