Today We Remember Love

     I love people. Because I happen to be an introvert, I don't often make this truth obvious. In fact, because I need my solitary time, people may sometimes think that I don't care about them. If I am quiet, I may be perceived as being unfriendly, shy, or even stuck-up. In reality, I am quietly drinking in my surroundings, listening to other people, constantly observing and learning new things. Through the years, I have found much to love in the people around me, whether they be family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. Let me share some of their stories with you today:
There is a woman who has made it well into her golden years. S he would never be found in one of those TV advertisements where all the seniors look like young, unwrinkled people with perfect silver hair. She has walked through life with all its trials, and has emerged with scars to match. She is sure that one of her battle scars is her diminished memory, but no matter what she may think, you know that she is sharp as a tack. She walks with a slow, but steady gait. She is one of the sweetest people there is.
Hard at work, there is a young person who fits the description of “nerd” quite well. She is a natural at all things technical. For all her skills and know-how, she would never see a portrayal of herself as the hero of a movie; everyone knows heroes must be cool and popular, right? But she doesn't spend time thinking about such nonsense. Her time is greatly in demand, yet she is one of the most generous people out there, always willing to lend a hand to those who need her help.
Among the random people of the street is a man who wears old, dirty clothes. He is so poor that he collects tin cans, riding his faded bicycle in the rain. He has a bit of a rough look to him. If you saw him on the street at night, you might walk the other way. But one day your path crosses his. Out of nothing more than cautious politeness, you mutter, “How are you?” Then you are surprised to hear his cheerful  response: “I'm great...I woke up this morning!”
All week, a middle-aged woman serves people tirelessly at her job. At day's end, she goes home exhausted, to a most appreciative little dog. Hers is a quiet life; you won't find much glamor there. But she is one of the kindest, most patient people you know. She's had much tragedy in her life, but you won't find her at a pity party. She is too sensible for that. Although her days are full of work, she somehow finds time to volunteer. 
Somewhere out there is a person who is not, and never will be, the life of the party. She sometimes worries about how old she has become (though she is young) and about how she strives too hard to protect herself from a broken heart. But she can't help but love people, such as the overweight man who thinks himself unworthy of love, yet is capable of showing incredible thoughtfulness... or like the woman who thinks herself unattractive, yet has, in reality, been beautiful ever since she was born. And as the introvert thinks of all the people she loves, she once again finds herself alone on Valentine's Day... yet not alone.