By Catherine Fraunfelder
Ah, love is in the air. We see it in the aisles of the local stores — lovable stuffed animals with heart emblems, boxes of candy with pretty bows, jewelry “just for her,” and flowers. It all seems so idyllic, but what about those who don’t share a special someone? How do they feel? Or what about the woman who is showered with one or more of these gifts, told she is loved, and once she weakens and gives of herself to the man who has told her she is his “one and only,” and then is left alone, wondering, “What happened?” He used her to get what he wanted and then left her feeling bereft, heartbroken and very possibly pregnant. It doesn’t matter what age. The human heart breaks easily. Where are all the Valentine sentiments then?
Not to sound cynical, there are many happy couples — dating, engaged or married who share many wonderful years (1, 10, 20, 30 years or more) and moments together. Valentine’s Day is that special day for love. Where did Valentine’s Day originate? It is reported that Valentine’s Day honors St. Valentine, who lived in the 14th century. He is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers. He was martyred, but Valentine’s Day as a lovers’ festival originated as far back as the 14th century. “According to legend, St. Valentine signed a letter ‘from your Valentine’ to his jailer’s daughter ...
