Blog 229 – 02.12.2016

The legend of St. Valentine’s Day is that once upon a time there was a man named Valentine. He was imprisoned for his religious beliefs and to communicate with his many friends he plucked ivy leaves from a plant that grew just outside his prison window and pin pricked messages on them, love notes. The ivy leaves were shaped like hearts and so began the tradition of honoring St. Valentine by passing love notes shaped like hearts to friends. These notes themselves became know as Valentines. Like so many holidays it became commercial and now the notes are often accompanied by expensive gifts, flowers, chocolates, and even diamonds.

But I like the tradition of my youth far better when each school child bought a pack or two of cheap Valentines one for each kid in his or her class and a few extra for immediate family and other friends. Love was simple then everybody got the same inexpensive card but everybody felt loved, and no one felt left out.

Love to All, None the Less

Ego says, “I’m Special,
You must love me the most.”
Best friend, True Love, One and Only,
The silly things people boast.

But Love keeps no list
Of wrongs nor a ranking order.
Love gives to all their due,
Has no picks and is no hoarder.

You may see it differently
And that also is okay.
We are every one of us unique
Loved and loving in our own way.

Not better, more, or less,
But as our personalities can give  and receive it.
One wrote, “Love is no respecter of persons.”
And I for one believe it.

Therefore to all my Valentines
Each and everyone, none the less,
You each have a place in my heart
And I love you all, none better or best.

Your friend, fellow traveler, and Funny Valentine,
David White