I am not going to release yet another disparaging post about the commercial, despair-inducing, chocolate-indulging nature of Valentine's Day into the blogosphere, as I am quietly confident there are already enough of them floating around. I have never been a large supporter of the day to begin with, and although the temptation to condemn it with a vengeance this year is perhaps slightly stronger than holidays previous, I will not give in! If Hallmark tells us this is a day to celebrate love and the joy it brings to our lives on an individual and collective level, I figure I can do that. Because to be truthful, although I won't be going home to a bottle of wine and a home-cooked meal, lovingly prepared by some fabulous man, this doesn't discount or discredit all the other amazing ways that love rears its lovely little head in my life on a daily basis.
It's in the Valentine's card my best friend made sure was in my inbox this morning.
It's in the e-mail my mom made sure I would get as soon as I got into work, wishing me a happy day.
It's in the exchange I had with my elderly neighbour in the elevator this morning, when he asked me if I enjoyed the books his wife gave me.
It's the anonymous someone who collected my newspapers for me all last week while I was away at a conference, and slipped them under my door when I got back.
It's in the shared cup of coffee with a friend as she confides in you about her excitement about moving in with her boyfriend, and her fear of what her Catholic family will say.
It's in the guy in your economics class who shyly hands you copies of the notes he took for you, unasked when you missed last week's lecture.
It's in the excited message from your friend who tells you to find something decent to wear, because she bought you tickets to the opera for Valentine's Day.
It's in yourself, in the cup of tea you brew, the workout you force yourself to do because you know it's good for you, it's in the evening you spend reading a fantastic book.
It's in the smiles you give, the hugs you squeeze, the tears you dry, the consoling words you speak.
It's in the letters you write, the compliments you give, the favours you extend.
It's knowing that this year, you don't have to look outside for love, because it's all around.
It's next door, it's down the street. It's in a friend's apartment, it's in your family home.
It's in an e-mailed letter, it's a phone call away. But most importantly, it's in you.
So Happy Valentine's Day to you all. However that happens to play out in your corner.
8 comments:
Absolutely stunning.
My thoughts exactly - though per usual, better said :)
You forgot to mention all the love you give. I am sure there are more than a few people whose V-Day was not quite as lonely thanks to you.
But what is it really?
...Valentine's Day is a Christian corruption of a pagan festival involving werewolves, blood and f*cking...
-- Haven't done any of that in a while!
Singlejewishfemale -thank you. So much.
MI- your own writing is absolutely spot on, and I'm sure it's a rare instance indeed that someone says something better than you.
Anonymous -I really do hope so.
Husk -well geez, what have you been doing with yourself, then?!
Certainly more love in that post than a typical Hallmark card.
<bitterness>I wish it were that simple. I suppose it is, if you are single. When you're not, it's all about her.</bitterness>
Happy belated Valentine's Day! Here's to a delicious Steak and BJ Day!
Post a Comment