Mark is married, and lives with his wife in Romeoville, IL, where he is a teacher and an author. Mark regularly blogs on Levine Writes
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Valentine’s Day is upon us, and as with many “Hallmark
created” holidays, we head to the store to buy what we are expected to, in
order to satisfy the social pressures that we have learned to love in a
mindless Lemming manner.
I am one of those guys that actually have followed such a
tradition of getting the “required” props for each given created holiday, so
that no feelings are hurt and nobody feels left out. Yes, I at times, have been amongst the crowds
of guys in the lines at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even gas
stations, early in the day on February 14th. I have witnessed the shame on the faces of
these men, who refuse to make eye contact so they do not have to admit to
themselves that they have made it to this level of shame. I am not sure if it is part of the guy code
to collectively respect the other men by refusing to put another guy through
the embarrassment, or if it is just an accepted line-of-shame decree passed
down in the male DNA. Either way, this
sad phenomenon exists and I am pretty sure all women know it lurks in the
shadows of the day.
So where does this painful dance originate? It appears that over 3,000 years ago, some
guy, named Valentine, believed in love.
He believed so much, that he risked his life for love. He agreed to marry young male soldiers to
their loves, even though it was considered illegal at the time. He risked his life in the name of love. As he was sentenced to death, he was
introduced to a young beautiful blind girl of significance. It was understood that he was a healer of
sorts and he might be able to heal the girl.
With no promise of freedom or pardon for his crime, he healed the
girl. He was executed and left the girl,
who had become his closest friend, a loving note. The note was signed, “from your Valentine.”
Now for the open and honest part, I am a man of passion and
love. I enjoy doing special things for
the love of my life. I look forward to
being the romantic and caring one. Yes,
I am one of those sensitive guys. I
don’t really desire to be current on the latest trend of gift giving, or for
that matter, follow the tradition of candy and flowers. I would much rather give a hunk of wood that
was found on a walk we took several years ago.
I might attach a note of a memory I cherish from that particular walk,
and how the memory has enhanced my love for her. As far as I am concerned, celebrating a
tradition that we assert is a holiday does not have to follow every norm set
forth for us. It is more than the
thought …it is the heart that counts.
I am a teacher, an author, a person who values humor and
honesty. I am a guy with high
expectations for self and for others around me.
Like everyone else…I seek acceptance and love. On this Valentine’s Day, or week…I hope you
all find what matters to you in your own way.
Whether it is tradition, or non-compliance; flowers, or a hunk of wood,
outward or inward love…I hope you find what the day means for you.
Peace. Mark.
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Thank you, Mark for taking the time (on short notice) to fill in for me today! To my readers: take a moment to visit Levine Writes and learn more about the fascinating author, Mark Levine. Have a great week everyone!
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Thank you, Mark for taking the time (on short notice) to fill in for me today! To my readers: take a moment to visit Levine Writes and learn more about the fascinating author, Mark Levine. Have a great week everyone!
