A few words about Valentine's Day

I haven’t been feeling well this week, so I’ll keep this one short.

This article will come out on Valentine’s day, and I want to seize the opportunity to say a few things that need to be said. The holiday, in theory, is named for a third-century Roman priest who distinguished himself by ministering to persecuted Christians. He is remembered for paying a significant price for that political mischoice, was sainted, and a feast day was established in his name.

Since then, the holiday has been co-opted by the greeting-card-chocolate cartel, yet in practice, it is recognized as a day for men to express their appreciation for women; mothers, daughters, girlfriends and wives.

Have you ever watched one of those documentaries about the Mariana Trench? That’s the area just south of Japan where two tectonic plates meet and the ocean is its deepest. At nearly seven miles below sea level, in total darkness and under great atmospheric pressure, the Mariana supports alien-looking life forms that seem to be the stuff of science fiction movies. I mention this only because it's the best way to describe our understanding of the female anatomy, female instincts, and female communications.

Ladies, you amaze us. You fascinate us. You intrigue us and inspire us. You puzzle us, but we love you more than you know. You are life-givers and nurturers. You are caregivers. You are emotionally strong and provide stability in our families, while somehow being able to remain gentle. You are our life partners and our best friends. You take more than your share of child-rearing duties, driving the kids from event to event and make a house feel like a home.

For better or worse, the institution of marriage has changed over time. We don’t all look like June and Ward Cleaver, but the role of wife and mother still holds a place of honor in our culture. On this Valentine’s day, please be reminded that as the years pass, and hair changes color and we may even put on a few pounds, it doesn’t diminish our love for you. Every curve, mole, and stretch mark are testaments to sacrifices you made for us on our long road through life together. We love every bit of you, without condition, and are honored to have you in our lives. Happy Valentine’s day.