R.O.C.E.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

May you shower the people you love with love today.

It’s been a few years since I had a Valentine. But that doesn’t mean love is invisible.

Filled with expectations, hope, and tokens of affection, this day represents great joy for some, a lot of pressure for others, or a reminder of loneliness to those who aren’t recipients of flowers, hearts or poems.

Personally, I’ve decided that “romance” without the “man” makes for a Really Outstanding Chocolate Experience.

Since chocolate is one of my first loves, I declare today a calorie-free day and will indulge! If you need help in this arena, you can get guidance in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Meanwhile I raise a champagne toast to Mr. Absolutely-worth-waiting-for.

“I know I’m still young and there’s a lot of time for things to happen, but sometimes I think there’s something about me that’s wrong, that I’m not the kind of person anyone can fall in love with, and that I’ll just always be alone.

But I think if I knew someone was going to fall in love with me when I’m fifty-three or something, I think I could wait. Maybe. If I knew it would happen.”

~ said by 13-year-old protagonist Debbie in Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins

Don’t lose heart if you are not recognized as the object of someone’s affection today. It just means something wonderful is yet to come (hopefully in less than 40 years!). For those lucky souls who have a mate, revel in the miracle of love, and ENJOY today and every other date to the hilt!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13