The traditions of Valentine's Day usually include a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, some unoriginal quotes about love and maybe an overpriced dinner.
Hallmark makes a fortune on the half of the world's population that has a special someone, and Kleenex makes a fortune from the other half.
Valentine's Day might seem like a superfluous, materialistic holiday - what holiday isn't? - but there's something unbelievably important that lies at the soul of this one day in February. There is a single value that spans across all religions, races and living things. Valentine's Day isn't just about the chocolates, the cards, the roses or the fancy dinner: Valentine's Day is about love.
There's a lot of debate about why we're here on earth. Whether we came from some bearded behemoth from above or a spectacular explosion in the nothingness of space, we're alive. We're alive with the daily reminder that we might not know when we'll take our last breaths.
According to the World Health Organization, heart disease ends the lives of nearly 17 million a year. Cancer takes another 7 million, and AIDS kills more than 3 million.
At least 15,000 people a year are murdered in the United States according to FBI statistics, and millions more are stabbed, shot and beat up.
But the huge numbers alone aren't the sources of the greatest sadness. It's the personal stories that each number represents. It's the tears wept over lost grandmothers, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children that hurt the most.
And with all the death and sadness in the world, people still murder, go to war, fight, argue and hate.
But life and happiness go on. It comes from one single source - the same thing that fuels this chocolaty, pinkish, teddy-bear- and cupid-filled day. It's love. And the best part about love is that it has no restrictions. No overbearing father can stop his daughter from falling in love with the high school quarterback, no losing season can stop a fan from loving his home sports team, and no president can stop a human from loving another human.
Love comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. Love is the reason babies are made, promises are broken and wedding dresses exist. Love is the reason Hallmark is in business, and diamonds are so damn expensive. Love is the reason dogs wag their tails, and widows cry. Love is the reason people are fat, and McDonalds is successful. Love is the reason a hug feels so good, and a goodbye hurts so much. Love is the reason we get up in the morning and open our eyes.
Today on Valentine's Day, make it a point to celebrate all the things you love. Eat your favorite food, dance to your favorite song, cheer for your favorite team and kiss your favorite person.
Valentine's Day is not a day for arguing - I don't care if atoms exist or if Adam existed. Give other people a chance to love what they want, too. Keep in mind that someone can love the Pistons as much as another loves the Pacers; someone can love homosexuality as much as another loves God; someone can love cats as much as another loves dogs.
We're alive, and the greatest thing we have is love.
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