Branson Globe readers recently took time to share their thoughts on Valentine's Day, naming their favorite Valentine, and telling us why they celebrate that person, not only on Valentine's Day, but every day.
"When I was going to school in Joplin, I was living on my own. I'd had a broken relationship with my boyfriend, so I wasn't in the mood to have a relationship at all," said Lynda. "But my dear friend who was in school in Pittsburgh, KS, told me I just had to meet this cute guy. I was not interested. But, my friend insisted, so I went to see him in a play at his college, where he had the lead role. After the play I saw him back stage. Wow! He was 6 foot 2 inches, tanned, muscled. We met that night. Our second date was to see the Shepherd of the Hills play. We got married the next year and have spent the rest of our married life in Branson. Bud and I worked at the Shepherd of the Hills for many years. It's been quite a story of love and destiny."
Said Becky, "I was in my senior year of seminary when a guy that had designs on my affections was always trying to impress me. Since we were at a very strict school with rules that kept us from fellowshipping, he would often resort to writing sweet notes that he would place in my books or my study Bible that I left on my desk. It was Valentine's Day and since none of the students were allowed to date, our little notes were the only means of communication. I had just finished my class and was collecting my Bible and books when I found a very small, torn piece of today's newspaper inside my class book, which read 'If I can't be your Valentine, can I be your April Fool?' After 58 years, I still carry that tiny note in my study Bible."
Sallie shared, "'What is a Valentine? A Valentine is someone who means all the world to you. A very special someone who makes all your dreams come true. Valentine, you're my dream come true and that's one reason why I grow still more in love with you as every day goes by. And, Valentine, here's a note to let you know you're part of every thought of mine, because I love you so.' Those were the words on a Valentine my sweetheart gave me when we were dating. This past Wednesday, February 12, we celebrated 59 years of marriage. I still remember every word of that Valentine, although I haven't seen it in years."
Valerie noted, "Representative Brian Seitz is my Valentine and has been for 38 years, and he kept his vow through my fight against two types of cancer. That part about sickness and health is real and Brian never wavered in taking care of me. This year we celebrate as I am cancer free!"
Said Carrie, "My Valentine story is about a man who showed me that true love knows no miles or distance, but through gentle, kind, loving words of friendship, which bloomed into a deep love from the heart. I fell in love, in my late 30s with a man from Belfast, Northern Ireland, named Alan. I was a single, divorced mom from northeast Missouri. We met by chance on a Christian dating site. Six months of correspondence and two visits from Alan taught me that even though love can change people over time, due to reasons of circumstance and status, love can still, in the lasting memories, create the strongest bonds. Memories of Alan I remembered fondly, and I kept close in the very sacred part of my heart. I gradually lost touch with Alan and learned during Covid that he had unfortunately passed away. They say that you never forget your true Valentine. Alan was mine and he always will be."
Teresa shared, "My husband Don is my Valentine. This July we will celebrate 38 years of love and marriage. Don is the most patient human being I know. He is so good to everyone in my family and always offered a helping hand when needed. He is kind and loving. We have one daughter, Mary, and three years ago, became grandparents to Cameron, the light of our life. Don is truly one of the best humans I know."
Said Alicia, "My Valentine is my daughter. I lost my husband in October 2021. She stepped up and helped me in so many ways. She is graduating this year with her EMT license and works full time as a 911 dispatcher. She decided she wanted to help others in the community. She is the best Valentine I could ever ask for. She has overcome so much in her 17 years. It has only made her stronger. She is always thinking of everyone before herself."
Melissa noted, " My most special Valentine is my nine-year-old grandson, Jasper. He is the kindest, most compassionate, smart little boy ever. He has been my little sidekick for nine years and he is so very much loved."
"My Valentine is my husband Jesse Dean McKinney," said Brandy. "We will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. Dean is the first boy I ever kissed, back in 1984. He was 13 and I was 11. After 30 years, we found each other again. Both of our moms are gone now and they were the best of friends growing up. We just know they are both still so proud of us and smiling down. Dean makes every day a true blessing by making me laugh. He is a true man of God, and I know I am truly loved and cared for."
Said Tiffany, "My Valentine this year is going to be my two amazing teenage boys, Devin and Kaiden. They are turning into amazing young men and I couldn't be more proud of them. They saved me and continue to give me strength and motivation."
Mary shared, "My grandson Alex was born on Valentine's Day. He will be nine on Friday. The best gift any grandma could want."
Lea Ann said, "My special Valentine is my grandson, Ever. He was born two years ago on Valentine's Day."
Molly's special Valentine is her adorable granddaughter, Sadie Gene.
Kyle quipped, "My Valentine is my fishing pole. It is always there when I need it and it is reliable. It has got me so many fish, I don't know where I would be without it today!
Viola shared, "Jesus Christ is and always will be my greatest love because He loves me more than anyone ever could. And, in my hardest moments of my life, it was holding on to Him that I found my peace and comfort."
AnnaLee also shared her thoughts on this unique holiday. "Valentine's Day is special in so many ways. I think back to my childhood and how fun it was to look through all the Valentine's cards and choose certain ones for the children in my classroom. I always wanted a special Valentine for my teacher and also for the boy that I liked best. Now that I am older, I think of the children in our neighborhood and give them each a paper sack decorated with hearts that contains candy and other treats. Bringing joy to others and sharing the love of Jesus Christ is what matters most."
Comments