Thursday, February 14, 2019

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken on Valentine's Day of 2009, our last Valentine's Day together. This photo was taken by one of Mattie's art therapists. This maybe one of my all time favorite photos, mainly because it captured the way Mattie always looked at me. He would touch my nose with his nose and stare into my eyes. He literally did this with me even when he was a toddler, before he could utter a word. Which is why I am so happy Jenny captured this Mattie tender moment. It was an unplanned moment, in which Mattie surprised me with a box full of Valentine's day creations. 

Quote of the day: Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it. ~ Dr. Karl Menninger 

As it relates to the photo above, It was a valentine to remember! Mattie worked for hours that day in the child life playroom with his art therapists. When I was invited back into the room, I was surprised with a crown of paper hearts and a box full of Mattie creations. Creations which I still have today. Because ten years have gone by, doesn't mean it gets any easier with time. In fact, I would say it gets more complicated and challenging. If your children are alive and healthy, then you have received the best Valentine's gift ever. It is that plain and simple.

I am not a big Valentine's day person. However, it seemed like everyone I saw today, wished me a happy Valentine's day. They of course were wearing pink or red! I was wearing neither. But it does lead me to question, what is the history behind this holiday? Well here are two historical accounts for the significance of the holiday and how it got its name........

FIRST:

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

SECOND:

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailer's daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

My doggie valentine... Sunny got a grooming today! Not his favorite activity, but his groomer is in LOVE with him!