By Jeanette Siemens
City leader and columnist
Special to the Tribune

In February comes Valentine’s Day. That’s my first thought. We connect the day with romance, giving, caring, etc.

Valentine’s Day was named after St. Valentine, but actually, there were three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. All of them were martyred. In the beginning the day wasn’t associated with love

In the Middle Ages, Feb. 14 was the beginning of bird’s mating season and a poet, Goeffrey Chaucer was the first one to record St. Valentine’s Day as one of romantic celebration.

There are various types of love. Obviously (and hopefully) we love our spouses, children and other members of our family. We love our best friends and other friends. We love our pets, certain memorabilia. We love all sorts of things and people. Each has a different level of love. Each provides a level of gratification.

Love is not one endless path of happiness. Along with love comes so many rough and hard roads to travel. I loved my son so very much and being with him as he left this world to go to a much better place was so rewarding and so heartbreaking. I have suffered alongside living friends, family and acquaintances through sorrow and sadness, trials, and tribulations. So, love is not just a smoothly traveled road with fun, laughter and good things happening . I guess you could call some of the tough things that happen also good things as they can help us grow, learn how to manage challenges, etc.

So, what does any of the above have to do with Valentine’s Day? I am not sure but all of it came to mind as I was thinking of the day. In summary it is the day to care about, enjoy and appreciate our family, friends and that person that smiled and waved as we went through the grocery store. It is time to appreciate all the things we take for granted until they are gone.

So Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you whether you read this before or after the day. You are all appreciated for reading this column, making your kind comments, etc. Happy Valentine’s Day every day of the year.