Happy Valentines Day~~~Susie Austin

I don’t understand why Cupid

was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. 

When I think about romance,

the last thing on my mind is a short,

chubby toddler coming at me

with a weapon. 

 ~Author Unknown

Cupid who is the chubby winged deity associated with Valentines Day is the son of Venus who is the Roman Goddess of Love. In Greek Mythology Cupid is known as Aphrodite’s son Eros.  I still am a bit confused on why they portrayed him as a chubby toddler.     

The history of Valentines Day is quite interesting; as legend has it Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. It is believed while in prison he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who used to visit him and this is when he sent her a letter and signed it “Your Valentine.”   

I think Valentine must have been a very amazing and brave man to risk his life to make others happy. There are many in our history who have, and still are willing to risk much for their fellow man, or as many would say the greater good. Can you think of a time in your life when you have done the right thing even though it was not a popular decision? Sometimes doing the right thing is a very difficult thing to do, but we must continue to do, teach, to be good examples for others. 

For all the wonderful people out there I wish you a very warm and loved Valentines Day. This is a day to remember those you love and tell them so.  I am truely blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

Susie Austin

  

~ by coachsusie on February 14, 2008.