(February 23, 2007) Re: “Valentine’s Day: a day to feel alone, unloved and bored”, Jan. 26. I found Rita Ishkhanian’s article very attractive, educational, and emotional. When I came to America, I was told that Valentine’s Day is a holiday solely for singles who are encouraged to express their feelings freely on that day. On the contrary, Armenia Trndez (another name for Valentine’s Day) was the holiday for newly engaged or married couples only. People believed that after they celebrate it, the couple would live happily ever after. After living here for many years, I have experienced different versions of Valentine’s Day. One day, my son came home from kindergarten and asked me to go to the store and buy 35 greeting cards for his classmates. I learned that Valentine’s Day was a friendship appreciation day. On another Valentine’s Day, I saw a father in the main office of Clark with a bouquet of flowers in his hands to express his parental love to his daughter. I was not surprised when I got a single red rose on my desk from a former graduated student. Finally, I understood that Valentine’s Day is a day of appreciation for all different kinds of love, and I loved that holiday even better. I agree that Valentine’s Day has turned into a business style holiday. On the other hand, this is an extra chance for people to celebrate their good relationship, or even mend a broken heart. What people need is attention on that day. Valentine’s should not be boring if, instead of waiting, you try to do something for someone else. Be a little creative, and it won’t cost you much. However, if you still feel alone and unloved on Valentine’s Day, that’s great! That’s even better! It means you are not a child anymore. It means that your heart is ready for the big love. You won’t know where or when it will come, but when it does, it stays with you and never goes away. You cannot imagine how great it is! Your world will turn into a wonderful place for you to live. Just wait and see. Karine Varuzhanyan Data Clerk Valentine’s day is a day to think outside of yourself. Rita will learn that. It’s lonely if as a single person you focus only on the fact that you don’t have romantic love in your life. But there is so much more to love than romance (although that’s a pretty awesome kind of love) that you’ll be missing out if you lose focus on the others in your life: Mom, Dad, brother, sister, nieces, students, friends and especially the love you have for God and, more importantly, the love He has for you. Just ask me. Going through my struggle with cancer has brought me closer to God. He uses so many people in your life to take care of you in tough times. He even has used students in my classes and past students to bring encouragement to me. Love is everywhere. But, like me, you have to take your focus off yourself to find it. Judy Thomsen Teacher