Thoughts I've Had

It is Valentines Day week. Everywhere you look, you see red. Hearts, flowers, candles, balloons. Anything and everything you can imagine has been reproduced to represent a heart or love.

I’m a sentimental type. I enjoy the romantic, tell-someone-you-love-them thought of it all. And, although the greeting card companies probably orchestrate the whole thing, it is still a nice little holiday.

It doesn’t have to be all about the romantic couple kind of love tough. Valentines Day can be shared with friends and family, anyone you love on any level.

Maybe it is just a good time to tell another person that you care about them.

In reality we should be telling one another that we care regardless of the day. I don’t think people take the time to really visit with each other anymore. In the days before we were all so busy, or had computers or television, we took the time to share more with those around us.

Growing up in Colusa County California in the 1960’s was great. My friends and I recall those days as a special time. Friendships were nurtured between teens from all over the county. While we were sports rivals with the different schools in the county, we all crossed over the school rivalry lines to make friends with the kids from all the towns and all the schools. We shared social events, dated kids from different schools, and just spent time together.

The big thing to do was to ‘cruise’, honk our car horns in passing, wave, and flirt.

We spent time on the river in the summer, and went to the movie in the winter. There weren’t any rival gangs.

We knew who was in town on a Saturday night, because everyone recognized everyone else’s cars.

We didn’t stay indoors and play video games. We didn’t have to be entertained. Being with each other was enough.

Friendship or romance is meant to be shared. If you love someone, tell them.

Just a thought…..

Kathy Craigo can be reached at kcraigo66@hotmail.com