John Sheda

This year maybe more than any other year, we need an official day to just say, “I love you.” Politics has taken center stage for the past couple of years it seems and Facebook is such an impersonal place to espouse one’s feelings, frustration, beliefs and yes, even anger. So as we lead up to February 14, “Valentine’s Day”, let’s take a breather and just love on our fellow man.

Author and lecturer, Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most loving and caring child. The winner was a four-old boy whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man crying shortly after the funeral, the little boy went into the gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there. His Mother came over to get him and asked him what he was doing. The little boy said, “Nothing, I was just helping him cry.”

Here are some other thoughts from kids about what love is…

“When my grandma got arthritis and couldn’t bend over very good to paint her toenails, my grandpa does it for her, even when his hands got arthritis too.” (Rebecca, age 8).

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and then go on a date and just smell each other.” (Karl, age 5).

“It’s when you go out to eat and give someone most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs.” (Chrissy, age 6).

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas when you stop opening presents and just listen.” (Emily, age 8). WOW!

“Love is when you tell a boy that you like his shirt and then he wears it every day.” (Noelle, age 7).

“It’s when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” (Joel, age 5).

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.” (Jessica, age 8).

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea; my love as deep, the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.” (Romeo to Juliet). I have no idea what it means!!!

And finally……’Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its’ own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged. Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith and is always hopeful, enduring through each and every situation.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO EVERYONE. Love to hear from you at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640.