I used to think of Valentine’s Day as one of those mushy, gushy holidays that only people with a significant other or spouse could celebrate — or that’s what it seemed.

On that one day a year, people would spoil their significant others with flowers, chocolates, cards and the like.

As a high school student, I remember watching the other girls in my class and their so-called boyfriends give them gifts on Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a fair statement to say that most high school girls want that kind of attention.

In general, I think the holiday for many has become a day to daydream about the future; while for others, it can become a day they are depressed if they don’t have a valentine. For a few weeks a year, we are loaded down with advertisements about the holiday.

My thoughts on Valentine’s Day have changed over the years as I have gotten older and continued to strive for an attitude of gratitude in my life.

For me, Valentine’s Day has become a holiday not only when we can tell our significant others how much we appreciate them, but we can also tell all of our family and friends how they impact us.

Because I have this column, I’m going to take the opportunity to do that today.

To my immediate family — my husband and son:

We have been through a lot in the last year. I can’t think of anybody else I’d rather be on this journey with through the good and bad.

On top of everything, being involved with someone in the newspaper industry I’m sure is not an easy task, as we’re basically on call 24/7. Thanks for being patient and for dealing with my long days and sometimes not-so-regular hours.

To my extended family:

I always appreciate the feeling that exists between family. Knowing you can send a message or make a phone call and always have somebody rooting for you is a nice feeling to have.

To my friends:

Whether near or far, I have been blessed with some amazing friends. Though I don’t talk to all of my friends every week — or sometimes even every month, I know our friendship is still there. I am always amazed how several of my friends know just when to call, text or send me a message just when I need it most.

To the Albert Lea
community:

Some of you I know well; others I don’t know at all. Regardless, I appreciate the overall positive experience I have had with many of you. Thanks for the smiles when I pass you in the store, the hello’s, the notes and the prayers.

Maybe I’m too sappy, but I hope we can continue the feeling of Valentine’s Day every day — not just one day a year.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.