It was Thursday and, it seemed a bit odd.  As I was driving I turned on the radio and searched for a station which I rarely do in this digital age.  My radio’s only real use these days is to plug my phone into the auxiliary input to enjoy my music and playlist just the way I like them!  Stranger still was the song I heard.  Return to Sender by Elvis Presley…  1961 or 62 if I recall.  Facebook’s TBT had nothing on this local radio station lol.  The song had taken me back.  Back 12 months to a time of flowers, candy, and sweet nothings being whispered in a lover’s ear.  Valentine’s Day.

Here I was celebrating my second season of singledom in many, many years and no one special to share it with.  I’ll admit that I miss that but I’m not wallowing in self-pity and if you are well, come back with me a little further to visit a simpler time and place.  A time and place that most of us may not think of often but when we do, we think of it fondly.  Do you remember Valentine’s Day when you were in Elementary School?  If your memories are anything like mine you might have had a sweetheart in your class, but regardless of gender, you were to prepare Valentine’s Day cards for EVERYONE.  The one day that you were an equal opportunity lover of humanity!  On that day it didn’t matter if you liked or disliked the person that was just the way it was going to be.  Because the teacher said so!  It’s just a little sad that we set one day aside each year to express affection when if we loved all year long this world would be a much better place.  We shouldn’t have one day of the year for “Getting our Game on.” That one day a year should be when we “Up Our Game.”

So this year I took a page from the playbook of my past.  I have a close circle of friends that share a common cause.  We collectively pursue a shared passion where loved is both given and received in an incredible way.  What most of us consider a ministry helping inmates, our Men in Blue improve their communication and leadership skills that Gavel Clubs provide through Toastmasters International.  So this year each friend, both male and female will receive a Valentine’s Day card showing them some love from me!  Each card hand made and created specifically for that person.  Love is only a word until you put it into action asking nothing in return and these friends, these friends certainly have put love into action.

Now. For all you hopeless romantics (guilty as charged) out there! Fast forward to just a few weeks ago when ANOTHER good friend posted an article they found on Facebook. (click below to read or you can click further below to listen!)

“It’s not Supposed to be Logical—It’s Love.”  written by Kate Rose.

WOW!  After reading this I was a puddle of mush just waiting to be poured into the arms of my waiting soulmate because it’s not supposed to be logical—It’s Love.    Yes, that’s the way love should be, should feel, just…should, and if we only would.  So to my friend. The one that offered the gift I return it to you…Return to Sender.  Not the way that’s it’s returned in the song with regrets, but with thanks.  I know exactly where it came from and I know EXACTLY where to send it back to!  Thanks, CK.  The audio Valentine’s card below is for you because…

#LoveAlwaysWins!