Chocolate hearts

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, folk are scrambling to purchase jewellery or chocolate to express to that special someone that they love them. Restaurants are preparing candlelit tables for two in anticipation of the a flood of diners celebrating this 'holiday'.

As a kid, I'd awaken on the 14th of February to find a heart-shaped box of chocolate on the kitchen table with my name on it. My Dad must've liked the concept of Valentine's Day, since it resulted in big jewellery sales for his store. Nothing says 'I love you' like a gold chain or diamond pendant, right?

Actually, I disagree.

I personally don't feel that gifts show people how much I love them; for myself, it's about actions and words. I try my best to show my girls everyday that I love them, either with some gesture or actually telling them. I guess everyday is Valentine's Day for me .

When I was much younger, I admit the concept of love mystified me. I wasn't quite sure about the power and depth of that emotion until I experienced my girlfriend clasping my hand at the jazz festival for the first time; staring into her blue eyes on a balmy day at Disneyworld as I said 'I do'. The birth of my children; staring at them in their cribs, sleeping gently.

For me, love is unconditional, utterly honest, uncompromising, and transcends all else. It involves sacrifice, patience, and understanding. I feel amazingly grateful and blessed to have people in my life that I love so much.

Here's to Valentine's Day. Hopefully, folk strive to love each other beyond one day of the year!