EDDY'S PAGE
by Eddy Robey M.A.

Last Winter, a friend of mine went to her car, and found that it wouldn't start. It was a nuisance, as such events always are, and in telling me about it she was annoyed at having had to go buy a new car battery. I asked if she had tried a jump start, and learned that she didn't have jumper cables, or even know what they were. I told her, but got a response which let me know that acquiring them wasn't high on her list of priorities.

Fast forward a couple of months. I was in the airport on my way to pay her a visit, hen the security people asked me what in the world I had in my carry-on bag. I always bring her a present when I arrive, and this was a gift-wrapped set of jumper cables in a nice pouch. The guards all smiled when I told the story, and allowed as how I was, "A real friend."

Well, she looked rather less than thrilled when I gave them to her, but put them in her car. Now, I will worry a bit less about her safety, should she ever again find herself stranded. My present mightn't have been as glamorous as a new silk scarf, but it told her that her well-being matters to me. It said, "I love you."

Valentines Day is a time when many of us buy gifts. Our intention when buying them is to show affection. Now, you can try to deliver that message by purchasing a bottle of perfume or some silk boxer shorts, but there are other objects which don't just try to speak love, they mean it.

First and foremost on the list are Fire Extinguishers. Remember that even if the person you love has one, that one is not enough, because a fire can start in any room and having an up-to-date extinguisher can save a life. While you're at it, buy several for yourself, if you need them, and be sure to check the dates, because they do expire.

Does the person you love have an Emergency First-Aid Kit in both their home and car? No, I don't mean that they may have some odd band-aids at the back of the medicine cabinet. I am talking about a real emergency kit.

How about Rechargeable Flashlights, so someone you hold dear won't injure themselves in the dark?

Tools are great "I Love You" gifts. Does your love just have a few odds and ends stuck in a drawer?

Why not buy something really useful, such as one of the screwdriver/socket sets with many sizes and types of heads? My personal experience is that the best and most welcome gift tool is a decent pair of vice-grips. People are forever hassling how to do a job, when they don't have them. BTW, a person can never have too many, because they are always borrowed, but seldom returned.

When you go shopping this year, why not get something which will let the intended recipient know that you want their life to be more safe and easy? Yes, I know those teddy bears and colognes are more conventional, but nothing is more romantic than genuine caring and protectiveness.

Remember that; it may be the most important lesson in love you will ever learn.