Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but I wanted to take a moment to write a little about what I think Valentine’s Day is.  I have been lucky enough to find the love of my life early in life (I was 16, he 17).  We have been married for 24 wonderful years plus we dated for 5 years before.  For all of the 29 years we have been together, we have celebrated Valentine’s Day.  I am not one for jewelry or expensive things and neither is he.  We both prefer sentimental and meaningful gifts.  Cost is not a factor.  We have been lucky enough to spend almost every single Valentine’s Day together.  However, whether we are together or apart, we have always made sure that the other knows we are thinking of them on this special day of romance.  Once, when I was out of town, he sent me a lantern that I had been admiring many months earlier.  It wasn’t expensive, but I had memories of my grandmother having a similar one.  I had forgotten all about it, until I received it.  These are the kinds of gifts which are treasured.  Favorite snacks like chocolate (Lindt is my favorite) are always appreciated, or a beautiful floral arrangement (not just roses!).  He is more of a sweet and salty snacker, so a collection of his favorite snacky foods was a gift one year.  And the most important part of the gift?  The card. Whether a few words or many, the sentiments expressed are treasured.  So my wish for all of you, who have been lucky enough to find love, either new or long lasting, is that you will remember your sweetheart with a gift that will warm their heart.