Melissa Barker-Simpson

I have an agreement with the postman – he’ll stagger my deliveries…

My apologies. That was the beginning of a joke which has no real punch-line. It contradicts a previous post about my need for closure, and here I am doing the same thing. It’s not all that ambiguous though, and I’m sure you can fill in the blanks!

A good friend of mine used to regale us with tales of how she’d battled her way out of the house, wading through a sea of Valentine’s cards. It was highly entertaining because it always broke the ice. Those awkward moments when, if the postman had bypassed your house, you’d sweat that someone would ask what you’d received that year (or is that just me?)

Say what you will about Valentine’s day, it is a celebration of love, and not just romantic love. But, as with anything else, there can be too much pressure – especially on the younger generation. If there isn’t a card on the mat, what does it say about you?

Nothing. It doesn’t mean you’re not loved, or that you’re not popular, or likeable, or whatever other insecurity an empty mat can deliver.

It means that you should take control and do whatever you want to do with your day. Like gathering the people you love and celebrating in whatever way you see fit.

It’s an excuse to pamper, to show those around you how much you care. Let’s face it, we shouldn’t need an excuse, but in our busy lives, it’s sometimes nice to have one.

Be spontaneous. Forget about peer pressure, relationship envy, and that empty post-box.

I know it’s not always easy to put a positive spin on things, and there are those who wonder what all the fuss is about.

There are also those who, for whatever reason, feel blue around this time of year. It’s our job to help them through it, in whatever way we can. If they don’t want or need our help, a friendly ear wouldn’t hurt.

Whatever day it is, and however you feel about Valentine’s, it isn’t hard to share our joy of the simple things.

There are so many people around the world who make sacrifices for us, and whatever the reason, the underlying emotion is love. Love for mankind, for country, a brother in arms. Love for our family, our friends, and our community. It all means something.

I’ll leave you with a little ‘fiction on a postcard.’ I wrote it thinking of my grandparents. We lost my grandfather a few years ago, but I know this is how he felt.

Until next time.

Mel