In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius outlawed a Lupercian festival traditionally held by the Pagans every Mid February as an ode to the God of fertility. The festival was a celebration of sensual pleasure – and a perfect time to meet and court a prospective mate. After outlawing the festival, Pope Gelasius replaced it with a similar celebration, although one deemed morally suitable. He needed a "lovers" saint to replace the pagan deity Lupercus – and chose the martyred Bishop Valentine as the patron saint of the new festival – and Valentine’s Day was born.

This is the thirty-first Valentine’s Day I have celebrated. And this year more then ever – I have a reason to celebrate – because of my perfect Valentine.

Christine and I met almost a year ago and in that year – we have grown to become two people who are involved in the most selfless, pure and romantic relationship I have ever experienced or heard about. We never fight, we never get on each other’s nerves, and we never get sick of each other’s company. I hear stories from friends about their relationship troubles, I view first hand fights between some couples I know – and I recall the rocky relationships that I went through – and I can’t believe that after being together for almost a year – we have never had a bad moment together.

I also think it is amazing that we have added to each other’s lives in so many ways. Since we have been together, our lives have improved dramatically because we help each other and try to give to one another all that we can and then some. Couple that with the fact that we have added a little bundle of joy in Beavis – and we have the makings of the perfect couple – and the perfect family.

Although we have been together for a year already, our life together is just beginning. And no matter where life takes us and what bumps may be on the way, I know that we will get through it all together – forever in love.

Happy Valentines Day.