Valentines Day (a day late)

I wrote this one but neglected to post it in time. I thought I would share it anyways (a day late) since it may still be useful.

Growing up I never understood Valentines Day. When I was little we would all swap valentines cards with each other. Sometimes I would get lots, and other times not so many. I never cared much though, to me it was just another day. I had the odd crush when I was little but it never occupied much of my mind. I remember thinking, "shouldn't I show the people I love that I love them all the time?"

It is crazy to think we fabricated a day to celebrate love. Then again it wasn't until I was in love that I understood. I have a sad record when it comes to relationships. If I have one fatal flaw (although I certainly have many) it would be that I am a man with a huge heart and never anyone to share it with. However, a few years ago I was lucky enough to celebrate a Valentines Day with someone special (yes, that is right, I have only ever had one girlfriend on Valentines) and I figured out why it was so special. It was a moment you could both share that represented the two of you. While every other day of the year was about others and the travails of life, this day was about just the two of you.

I remember being so blissful. I loved her with all my heart and soul and I had an excuse to share it with her. Not that I needed it, in fact in hindsight I showed it far too much, but the day was fun. We didn't do much, I made her dinner and we watched a movie - things we did all the time - but something about marking the occasion made it special.

Unfortunately, right before we would celebrate a second Valentines Day together the relationship ended. I don't know that I will ever understand why, I suppose I am not meant to. My love for her didn't die, I was more in love with her the day it ended than I was when it began, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. The time we spent together was the happiest on memory and that Valentines Day was our day (on top of our anniversary). But it shows up on a calendar even. We continue to be friends and it makes me happy to know that she has found someone new who makes her happy.

Love needs to be celebrated - even when it is lost. It is the unique emotion that while doesn't make the world go round, it makes the ride worthwhile (that is a quote from someone but I am not sure who). Don't take any day with the love of your life for granted but make sure you don't dismiss the Hallmark/Hershey day because while it may seem cheesy it is a good cheesy. If you can't express yourself on the day when it is set aside for you to, then your not making the most of life or the most of the time you have. We are born with a fatal flaw and it is death (another quote that I don't know where came from), so take the time that you have with the people you love and take advantage of it. Coming from someone who doesn't currently have that opportunity believe me when I say that it is a bummer when it is gone.