Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I am a hopeless romantic and this day is no exception. I love antique-looking greeting cards, heart shaped boxes of chocolates, romantic dinners and red, red roses.

For me, love is expressed in so many ways every day of the year: a kind word from a friend, the sound of my mother's calming voice, my nephew's tiny finger wrapped around mine, and the way S, my forever sweetheart, makes me laugh. I am surrounded by wonderful friends, faithful family members, and S~the love of my life!

The symbolism of this day reminds me of this beloved Bible verse: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8).

Yes, true love never fails. "The Rose" is one of my favorite songs. It also expresses what I am feeling on this day:

The Rose

Click here for Midi music http://wilstar.com/midi/therose.htm

Some say love, it is a riverthat drowns the tender reed.

Some say love, it is a razorthat leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love, it is a hunger,an endless aching need.

I say love, it is a flower,and you it's only seed.It's the heart afraid of breakingthat never learns to dance.

It's the dream afraid of wakingthat never takes the chance.

It's the one who won't be taken,who cannot seem to give,

and the soul afraid of dyin'that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonelyand the road has been to long,and you think that love is onlyfor the lucky and the strong,

just remember in the winter far beneath the winter snows

lies the seed that with the sun's lovein the spring becomes the rose.

(performed by Bette Midler)

And so I hope each of you had a day filled with love of family and friends.