Published on February 1st, 2013 | by Jerry & Pat Hocek

Febuary 2013 Letter From the Publisher

A month before Valentine’s Day, my wife asked if I would consider the topic of this special occasion for my next publisher’s letter in Natural Awakenings. I thought, “I’m sure I can find some material at hand.” Since Pat suggested it, I took it as a hint that my exploring the subject would please her in some small yet potentially significant way. After all, this is what loving couples do for each other. The little things count… right?

So I set about learning that Saint Valentine’s Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. The most popular martyrology suggests that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians being persecuted under the Roman Empire; while in prison, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. Legend maintains that before his execution he wrote in his farewell to her: “…from your Valentine.”

The holiday (from holy day) was first associated with romantic love in the aristocratic social circles served by poet Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their affectionate regard by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards known as “valentines”.

Love is still at the core of today’s Valentine traditions, now expanded to embrace all kinds of caring relationships, from mates and family members to friends, neighbors and colleagues. A random act of kindness may even be seen as a token of esteem cheering the day of an unexpecting acquaintance.

I confess that I haven’t always been sensitive to all this. I have my spouse to thank for sparking my ever-expanding education on the concept of love. From the first moment of our first meeting, I have been privileged to witness her kindness, patience, unselfishness, loyalty, warmth and benevolence towards family, friends and strangers alike. The experience of knowing her has without a doubt helped me be a better human being.

Pat, I trust this simple love letter will suffice because the folks at Giants Stadium couldn’t manage to put my Valentine message up on their billboard. I am fortunate to have you as my wife and best friend and I love you always.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Tags: letter, publisher