GULF NEWS, Dubai, UAE
1990-1991
© by Alice Delaney Walker

#3 February 8, 1990

The red-heart “I love you, Valentine” holiday alleviates what, for most Europeans and Americans, is the coldest and most cruel time of the year: winter. But St. Valentine is no longer, not since 1969.  He was removed from the saint list that year.  Probably because he was born close to a Roman fertility festival and the only way to be fruitful and multiply is to couple first, i.e. send a Valentine to your beloved.

I’ve given hundreds of Valentines away: from first grade when everyone gave to everyone; then onto junior high when the cards became more personal and special (and traumatic); then onto high school and college when such a card became a declaration of love – or intention.  Then cards evolved again into that first grade experience of giving to everyone: friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintances.

My theory is that every time we choose to love someone, and allow that person to touch us, physically or mentally, that person leaves their heart-print on our soul:  an eternal Valentine microdata chip imprinted into our own personal system.

Sometimes, in a tough social situation, I will recall a diplomatic friend and listen to her remembered voice instruct me on the best course of action.  I’ve also internalized a few gourmet friends and remember them as I chop vegetables, use garlic properly, cook shrimp, make rice and de-bone chicken. Sometimes, when I feel disheartened as every teacher does once in a while, student voices will ring through my memory and restore and refresh me.

Teachers, parents and relatives have also given me their heart-print microdata chips in the pictures and words they have imprinted on my life.

Over the years, these heart-prints are internalized into our deepest selves. It’s as if we are wet clay and these Valentine mircodata heart-prints re-shape us into a new Venus de Milo or Michelangelo’s David.

Thus, my Valentine theory for you is:

“You are who you love, Happy Valentine’s Day!”