Valentine's Day, on the other hand

"On the other hand," Sister Ann
Casper's feelings about Valentine's
Day are somewhat like Tevye's
in "Fiddler on the Roof."

I Googled “Valentine’s Day” and found 412,000,000 entries! A week later, I Googled it again and the number was up to 440,000,000 entries.

Whew! Am I ever glad I have a pretty good handle on the topic and don’t have to wade through even 10 entries.

My feelings about Valentine’s Day are somewhat like Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof."

“On the other hand," it’s so commercialized and somewhat disheartening to me that billions of dollars are spent each year on chocolates and roses in order to celebrate or impress a loved one.

And “on the other hand,” should we not celebrate what is most basic in our lives — being loved and loving someone? Those who experience a loving family and being loved as children have a much better chance of growing up healthy in every way. Being loved gets me over many a rough spot. Being loved somehow makes life worth living.

So I am grateful, this Valentine’s Day, for all who love me or have loved me, even when I’ve not been all that lovable! I celebrate each of you and thank God that Providence has placed you in my life.

Just don’t expect a dozen roses or a box of chocolates, okay?

Thanksgiving is about relationships

Sister Marceline Mattingly received a phone call recently from the daughter of a former student asking for prayers for her mother, Patricia, who had a severe stroke.

The unusual thing about this story is that Sister Marceline taught the daughter’s mother in 1943 — yes, you figured correctly, that’s 68 years ago!

You see, Sister Marceline is 96 years old today and through the years she and her former student have remained in contact and become good friends.          

I relate this story on this Thanksgiving Day Eve because I think it’s what thanksgiving is all about — relationships, be they family, neighbors, co-workers, students, teachers or friends.

Today, let’s remember with gratitude all those persons who have made up the fabric of our lives and thank God’s providence that has placed them on our life’s journey.