The Ultimate Gift of Love

What does February mean to you? Are you thinking about spring? Are you hoping that a groundhog will tell us that winter is nearly over? Or do you think of love and romance and hopeful beginnings.




For me, February is all about Valentine’s Day. Now there are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.


Over time, February 14 has become the date for exchanging love messages and a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The date is marked by the sending of poems and simple gifts, such as flowers, to loved ones and secret loves. By far, Valentine's Day Flowers are the most popular gift today. Chocolates, stuffed animals and jewelry are popular as well.

But can you imagine in the 1600’s the ultimate gift of love in which a husband built a monument to honor is wife who passed. Known as “a teardrop on the cheek of time” the Taj Mahal is one of India’s most famous architectural wonders, in a land where magnificent temples are abound to remind visitors about the rich civilization of a country that is slowly but surely lifting itself into an industrialized society. “THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF LOVE”


Imagine this year going to your new fiancé, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend and giving the ultimate gift on Valentines Day; the dream of owning your own home, building the dream home, looking at the perfect get-away retirement property, or upgrading for the new family on the way.


No matter how you spin it – home is where the heart is.



By: Maureen Tkachuk - Lloydminster