The month of February is full of special observations. According to the World Almanac, February is Black History Month, American Heart Month, Library Lovers Month, Youth Leadership Month, and Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.
Among the observed days, there is a special celebration of the heart.
It is a holiday for those who desire affection and for those who love romance. It is the celebration of love. But what is love?
“Love” is defined by Webster’s dictionary as a feeling of strong affection or warm attachment to another person. It is a person who is beloved. Moreover, it is also the act of being unselfish, loyal, and benevolent toward others.
When we love, we cherish and/or feel passion for another person. When we love, we are devoted to and are tender with someone else. We take pleasure in the company of that individual or individuals.
The celebration of love is Valentine’s Day, occurring every year on February 14.th.
How do the men in blue feel about love?
Ask on the Line conducted random informal interviews with men on the mainline and asked: Do you believe in true love? And if so, who was, or is, the greatest love of your life? What would you say to that individual or individuals?
One hundred percent of the men interviewed said they believe in love. Some even thought that the first question was absurd.
It was clear that every man in blue had a soft spot in his heart for someone.
Eduardo Delapena said the greatest love of his life is his family. “I thank God for blessing me with them,” he said with emotion.
Robert Frye sends this message to Elena, his friend of 14 years and currently his “L.P.” for the past two years: “May our Journey together be filled with unabashed love and companionship.”
Pablo Ramirez said that his greatest loves are his mother, his wife, and his children. He would tell them, “Los extrano mucho y los quiero.” [I miss you all and I love you.]
Martin Gomez also adores his family. His greatest loves are his wife and children. He would tell them, “Los amo mucho.” [I love you all very much.]
Watani Stiner said my granddaughter Khyra brings so much joy to peoples lives, and she is the sweetest little Valentine candy in my life.
Bruce Cooper and Michael Gonzalez said that their greatest love is Jesus Christ.
Gonzalez asserted that his “Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” is his greatest love. If Gonzalez could send Jesus a message, he would say to Jesus: “I’m sorry I never lived up to your expectations of me, but perhaps one day, I will.”
Cooper would tell Jesus, “Take me home.”
Valeray Richardson, Tony Harris, and Carlos Ramirez all said that “God” is their greatest love.
“Thank you for loving me the way you do,” is what Richardson would say to God.
“Thank you for not giving up on me,” said Harris.
Upu Ama wanted his wife to know that , “in 1994 you became my Valentine Queen, and you still wear that crown till this very day. Love your husband.
Carlos Ramirez would speak to God in Spanish, “Gracias por ensenarme el amor.” [“Thank you for teaching me love.”]
Cassandra Rena Cooksey Richardson wanted to pass this message on to everyone. Bless Someone Today! It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive. Act 20:35. Spend some time this morning thinking about what you can do for somebody else. Don’t wait for God to ask you to do something; take the initiative and say, “okay God, what can I do to be a blessing on your behalf today?” The best days you live are the ones you spend loving other people. Choose a particular person and think about blessing him or her. Love Sana.
Phil Melendez said, “I just want to thank my love for always being there for me and loving me since we were kids. Thank you for loving me now and forever. We’re so fortunate to be each other’s best friends. I love the way you love me and I promise to always be yours and love you with all that I am.”
Some of the men said their children are the greatest loves of their lives. Larry Histon, Joe Demerson and Robert Morales adore their children.
Histon would tell his two daughters, “I love you both very much.”
Morales said his greatest love is his daughter. If he could speak to her, he would tell her, “I love you very, very, very much!”
Joe Demerson said that his greatest love of all time is his son. His message to his son: “Always believe in yourself, always.”
Jose Segura, Armando Garcia, Tim Thompson, Adriel Ortiz Ramirez, and Billy Terry all cited their mothers as their greatest loves.
Segura and Garcia would send their mothers a message in Spanish.
Segura said, “Gracias por haberme traido a este mundo.” [Thank you for bringing me into this world.]
Garcia said, “Yo la quiero mucho.” [I love you very much.]
“I will always love you,” is what Tim would say to his mother.
“I love you and I miss you very much,” said Ramirez
“I love you,” said Terry.
James Cavitt wishes to send this message to Char Cavitt: “The greatest gift that anyone can give is Love. Love not only changes the individuals…it changes the world.”
Frederick Willis sends the following words to his daughters Aisha and La-Toya: “Happy Valentine’s Day! Daddy is coming home! I love you Boo and Pooh!”
Darnell Hill and Curly Joe both said their wives are the greatest loves in their lives.
“I would tell my wife: ‘Trust God first, trust yourself second, and trust man as long as he trusts God’,” said Hill.
“I would say to my wife: ‘I love you very, very much’,” said Joe.
Jesus Flores said that the greatest love in his life are his parents. Jesus Flores believes that his parents are the only people in the world who truly love him unconditionally. He would say to his parents, “You have my eternal love and respect.”
Vicente Gomez and Armando Quezado both said that women in general are their greatest loves.
If Gomez could send a message to women, it would be, “Sepan apreciar del hombre bueno que cuida mucho a su mujer.” [Appreciate a good man who takes care of his woman.]
Quezado would say to all women, “Ustedes son los seres mas bellos del mundo.” [All of you are the most beautiful beings in the world.]
Can love extend to non-human beings? According to Brad Carney, yes. Carney’s greatest love is his dog. “He is my most loyal friend; he never testified against me!” If he could give his dog a message he would say, “I wish I was with you!”
Ahmad Polley wishes to give this message to his wife: “Carmen, after 21 years of marriage, we have had our ups and downs. Our love continues to grow! Love you more! Happy Valentine’s Day, Your loving husband.”
Yours truly, Angelo Falcone, would say to his greatest love: “I think about you all of the time. I pray for you more than I pray for myself. Thank you for showing me consideration and respect. You are a blessing for me and a positive source of support. Thank you for not judging me. Aside from my mother and daughter, you will go down in my history as my greatest love. You gorgeous woman, you!”
Happy Valentine’s Day!