| It's February, and the media are full of messages about love.
There are plenty of touching stories, recipes for heart-shaped goodies, and
advertisements for every sort of gift item. Teachers are cautioned to be sure
that any Valentine event be structured in such a way that no child is excluded,
and men must listen to jokes which threaten dire consequences should they
neglect to deliver just the proper present to their romantic partner.
A couple of years ago, I ventured to write one of those February columns full of
gift advice. My notion was that gifts should do something truly useful for
people receiving them. After all, if you value the lives of those you love, why
not try to preserve and improve them? Preserve? Yes, because my first suggestion
was to give an up-to-date fire extinguisher for every room in the house.
Well, you never read such a storm of funny email as I received over that idea.
Men were certain their lady loves would be mortally offended by such a present,
and women let me know that they thought jewelry would be much more appropriate.
It speaks well for my readers that they were so good-natured about their
disapproval, but disapproving they were.
There is no doubt that my suggestion was a necessary, if unpopular one. I have
visited the homes of ever so many women who do not even have a fire extinguisher
on the counter and ready for use in their kitchens, where conflagrations are so
apt to occur. The bedrooms of those homes often held candles, but not the means
to stop a blaze should the occupant waken to find that one had tipped over
whilst they slept. Of course, the most terrifying sight is of a child's bedroom
with no device which might save a precious little life should the need arise.
What good is a ring, if the pretty hand that wore it has been barbecued? Does a
necklace sparkle around a throat the last breath from which caused death from
smoke inhalation? The answers to these questions are obvious.
What is not so obvious is a question about the role love should play in our
lives. It is my belief that love should sustain and protect us throughout,
rather than merely glisten for a moment's pleasure. For that reason, dear
readers, I once again suggest that the gift of true affection be one to help
ensure the presence of your dear ones for many February's to come.
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