Well, aren’t I the lucky one?

Posting on Hallmark’s favorite day of the year! No (yes), in reality I do feel lucky to have been chosen by our lovely BB to post on February 14th, the day for lovers, Valentine’s Day. I’m Each and you can see me almost everyday at my place, or (more likely) writing snarky comments at your places.

I was going to write a lovely tribute to the day and its history because I am a history dork (truth) but after some research I found that the stories of St. Valentine are so varied and convoluted that the post would go from being an easy read to an epistle. You can read about Valentine here, but the sum of the parts is thus; due to Valentine’s valiant efforts to do good on behalf of love (any love, not just romantic) that were thwarted by those in power and leading to what appears to be an untimely death possibly proceeded by a tortuous end of life, Europeans began to honor the good work the man, now Saint, did by writing and sending notes of love and appreciation to current or desired to be loved ones in their lives. Valentine’s Day became a day to express your love to all who deserve it, romantic or not.

Dear Barbie,

You could have never known how much I needed a friend. Until today you probably didn’t know how much I value this new friendship and you as a person. Without any guile or assumptions you opened a door for me through emails, chats and then in person. You were and are so free and truthful about yourself and what you want. You are one of the best listeners I have ever met, especially as that gift comes without judgment or harsh advice. Instead of turning away from me and my friendship because we are extremely different you look at it as a good thing, something to be excited about and something that can make our friendship stronger and makes our similarities more valuable. I can tell you without pressure or fear that I hope our friendship, no matter the unconventional beginnings, is lasting and as true as it has been from day one. In the spirit of the day and the love I feel growing for you, will you be a Valentine for me?

Love,

Each.

And for all you out there in blog land, anonymous or not, I hope that in this day you can gather as many Valentines as your heart can hold; family, friends and those lucky “one and only” someones. Because this day that St. Valentine unknowingly gave us to stop a moment and really appreciate and love all those in our lives in a way we don’t often think to or get an opportunity to, really is a gift not to be wasted.