Day of love provides opportunity to show you care
Within the pages of each Franklin County Times, we tell a lot of stories. Some stories are positive, of new industries, stellar students and people who are making a difference. Some tell sadder stories, of crime, loss and destruction. Perhaps my favorite stories of all, however, are the stories of love.
Whether it’s sharing an engagement announcement, highlighting a milestone wedding anniversary or featuring a story the depicts the bond of a family or couple, one of the best things we do here is sharing these stories of love – whether that’s romance, compassion or friendship.
Of course, with today being Valentine’s Day, I can’t help but feel a little sappy, thinking about romantic love.
My sweetheart and I shared our first Valentine’s Day in 2011, and it comprised every traditional element of the holiday that comes to mind. There were roses, chocolates, a nice dinner, the symphony – we did it all, and it was a beautiful, unforgettable night.
In the years since, not every Valentine’s Day has been quite so fancy. One year we did join the masses for dinner at Outback Steakhouse – but I tell you, I don’t know if I will ever take my life in my hands like that again. One year we stayed home and cooked patty melts and tater tots together. One year we created handmade Valentine cards, and last year I asked for and received a Valentine balloon.
Every expression of love has been different – and every one has been wonderful.
Sometimes the stakes and expectations can seem pretty high on Valentine’s Day. I suspect that’s why so many people have opted to forgo the holiday altogether.
But when it comes down to it, Valentine’s Day is about expressing love, and isn’t there plenty of room for more love in the world? To have a day dedicated to telling and showing people how much we care about them – whether it’s in the romantic sense or not – well, isn’t that a good thing?
You don’t have to take your sweetie to the symphony or hand-deliver 12 long-stemmed roses – although those are never bad options. Whether you opt for dinner on the town or dinner at home; whether you write a love poem or purchase one from Hallmark; whether you give a big fancy gift, a small gift or no gift at all – take today to tell someone how much they mean to you.
Stories of love are always the ones worth sharing.
