Heart to Heart

It’s that time of year again when the female species expectations shoot through the roof and the males cower to make sure all is as expected. For some, today is a let down, a dissapointment. February 14th, the day the price of a dozen roses is more than my car payment. Where are the lost days of a simple card filled with love and good wishes? Valentines Day has turned into a shoe box of roses, balloons, chocolates, jewelry and pre-fixed dinner menus.

All in vain of St. Valentine, yet who is this mysterious masked villain and why do we celebrate this holiday?

Legend #1: Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine had the hots for a hotsy totsy -- who was the jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine."

Legend #2: This legend contends that Valentine, a priest who served during the third century in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor decided that single men made bad ass soldiers than those with wives and families, hence outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing that this is whacked, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers on the DL aka Down Low. When Valentine's got the 411 on Valentine's actions, Emporor C ordered a cap in his ass.

Like Christmas and Thanksgiving, today is a very lonely day for many. I have been victimized by this vicious holiday for many years until I realized that it wasn’t the holiday, but me. It is good to feel loved and wanted, not by a lover, boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife, but by friends and family.

If you want to make today special, pick up the phone and call your parents and wish them a Happy St. Valentines day. Perhaps, a dear friend who could use a warm smile today. These are just a few suggestions that are more heroic than a box of chocolates.

I phoned my mom who is thousands of miles away and wished her a Happy St. Valentines day. That, my friends, is what St. Valentine would have done.

Lesson: To become wise grasshopper, one must learn how to give and expect nothing in return.