According to the Webster dictionary, the word February is from the Latin Februarius, followed by mensis, meaning month. The original definition then becomes “the month of expiation.” That sent me to the dictionary again. Expiation means to make amends for wrongdoing or guilt.
So how do these definitions move us from wrongdoing or guilt to romance and Happy Ever After?
No romance or lifelong commitment, in my opinion, can endure without some drama. The arguments, the compromises, the commitment make for a great life and equally great entertainment.
As a romance reader and writer, I want to enjoy the journey two characters travel believing in each other, with all their rights and wrongs, to live a Happy Ever After life.
I have favorite authors – Sherryl Woods, Nora Roberts, Virginia McCullough – to name only three of many that surprise me time and again on the unpredictable journeys their characters travel before finding a Happy Ever After. We know the ending of the story, but, for me, the joy is seeing how they get there.
The Hallmark Channel movies send their couples through three difficulties before the man or woman realizes neither of them want to live without the other person. These are not wrongdoings or guilt as suggested in the original definition, more along the line of poor choices. I’ll admit the one to two-hour time frame limits the degree and the complexity of the choices.
I believe in Happy Ever After. Yes, I’ve made poor/wrong choices in relationships, but I’ve also learned from them and have earned my Happy Ever After. Just ask the guy I live with and spoil.
There are days in February that we connect with, which include Ground Hog Day when the length of winter is predicted by the sun and a furry animal.
Birthdays include that of President George Washington. I still remember making a cherry tree in grade school using a tree branch and red gum drops. I don’t remember who got the last candy in the bag.
Another President, Abraham Lincoln also has a birthday. The tall man with the tall top hat was faced with decisions that would either unite or break our country apart. We will never forget a man who bore the consequences of his decision to keep our country united.
Valentine’s Day is the most notable holiday of the month. There is a lot of money spent on marketing the day of love and romance. I think having a special day of the year reminds us to stop the craziness of life and focus on the happiness that is part of romance and love. Such joy.
February has fewer days in the month than any of the other eleven months of the year, but it isn’t small when packed with history, a furry Ground Hog and romance.
Enjoy the month, Make the most of everyday. Find a Happy Ever After.
Believing in Tomorrow
Gini
