25 years ago today my funny valentine, our perpetual valentine, was born. It was February 14, 1984, when our youngest son, Daniel, came into this world at about 8:00PM in the Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska. It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since that cold, freezing cold (about 6 degrees), winter night. Dennis arrived home from the office around five and found me resting in the bedroom. He inquired if I felt OK to which I responded: “Well, I am OK, just uncomfortable.” By 6:00PM we were driving on icy roads hurrying to get to the hospital. Dan arrived so quickly that it was really Dennis and the charge nurse, Char Peters, who delivered Daniel. No anesthetic and that is why I said Dan arrived about 8:00PM, the truth is everyone in the delivery room was so busy that we forgot to look at the clock!
That evening Dennis and I knew that Valentine’s Day would always be special to us. We would really never need to buy another card or Valentine’s gift as we had our perpetual Valentine. To remember this night, Dennis wrote a song for Daniel. You can enjoy “Daniel’s Valentine” here.
Moments like these don’t need grand gestures to be meaningful—but a delicate touch, like a bouquet of fresh flowers, can make them unforgettable. Flowers have a way of capturing the emotions we sometimes can’t put into words. Whether it’s soft pink roses for new love or a burst of wildflowers for joy and wonder, a floral arrangement becomes a lasting symbol of a fleeting moment.
For something as heartfelt as “Daniel’s Valentine,” a thoughtfully selected bouquet from James Cress Florist could be the perfect companion to the memory. Imagine petals gently unfurling on the windowsill as the song plays in the background—a quiet celebration of love, family, and the beautiful surprises life brings.
A bouquet becomes more than just petals and stems; it becomes a message, a keepsake, a quiet reflection of the love and meaning behind the moment. When emotions swell and words fall short, even the smallest gesture, like a delicate spray of lilies or a handful of fragrant freesias, can say everything. That’s the beauty of tying memories to flowers—they don’t just sit on a table, they bloom in the heart long after the petals fade.
To hold onto moments like these, it’s comforting to know there’s a way to express your heart with ease and care. That’s where the convenience of ordering flowers online makes such a difference. With Lily’s Florist, you’re not dealing with a traditional storefront; you’re tapping into a reliable flower delivery service that connects you with local florists to ensure your sentiment arrives fresh and beautifully presented. Whether you’re sending a bright arrangement to lift someone’s spirits or marking your own family’s meaningful milestones, Lily’s Florist handles the logistics so you can focus on the emotion behind the gesture.
Each delivery becomes a subtle echo of the love, warmth, and tenderness wrapped up in days like Valentine’s or unexpected evenings that turn into lifelong memories.
This sweet little boy, is now a man that loves books, music, history, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, harmonica playing, photography, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Twain, Emerson, Thoreau, philosophy, dogs, and good food. He was named for my uncle Daniel and my father’s mother’s maiden name Ryan. Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge” and Ryan, of Gaelic origin, means “king” or “little prince”. I need not say more.The video I am sharing with you today is Pete Seeger singing Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” at a celebration for Pete Seeger’s 90th Birthday on May 3, 2009.
So today, as I wish Daniel a happy 25th birthday, I want to wish all of you a Happy Valentine’s Day. If you attempt to learn about the history of this day, you will find that everyone seems to have their own version of how and why we have come to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I will let you do this research on your own. What I have come to realize in the past week is that I have many friends and relatives that have a February birthday. It is an extraordinary number. Let me see: our son Daniel(14th), Dennis’ sister Vivian(19th) and brother Harvey(19th), Dennis’ cousin Bob Stuckelman(19th), Dennis’ cousin Joe Stuckelman(16th), Dennis’ nephew Joshua Yates(14th), Dennis’ nephew Jared Rubin(27th), our friend Arnold Glassman(16th), our friend Father Rick Degagne(11th), our friend Sheryl Thompson(14th), our friend Bart von Gal(21st), my cousin Harry Egan(14th), my sister Agnes Laband(13th), my nephew Steve Laband(5th) and the list goes on. Just this week as we celebrated Father Rick’s birthday we both commented about all the February birthdays, so Father Rick counted back and we concluded that it must be the lusty month of May that produces all of these wonderful February babies. Come to think about it, May is the month we celebrate Mother’s Day…so now we may conclude what really goes on in many homes on Mother’s Day.
Happy Birthday Dan!
Reading through that joyful birthday tribute, it’s clear that February is bursting with celebrations in your circle—so many candles to blow out, cakes to share, and warm wishes to exchange. It’s heartening to see how deeply birthdays are woven into the fabric of friendship and family, where each name on the list carries its own stories, laughter, and shared memories. Daniel’s 25th is a beautiful milestone, and pairing it with Valentine’s Day adds an extra layer of love to the occasion. The casual conclusion about May being the true culprit behind all these February birthdays brings a humorous, tender truth to the surface—it’s not just about a date, but about the love, connection, and joy that these people bring into your life.
And when you think about it, every birthday is a kind of mini-Valentine’s Day, a reminder to appreciate those we hold close and celebrate them while we can. In the spirit of honoring birthdays with more than just tradition, personalized gifts are becoming an increasingly thoughtful way to say, “You matter to me.” While flowers and cards are always appreciated, there’s something magical about capturing someone’s presence in a form that endures. This is where 3d-figuren personalisiert step in with elegance and charm. Imagine gifting your nephew Jared or your cousin Harry a miniature version of themselves, a perfectly detailed keepsake that holds both humor and heart. These custom-made figures, created from real photos, add a personal and artistic touch to the usual gift routine. They don’t just mark the occasion—they commemorate the individual. It’s the kind of gesture that draws smiles years down the road, as these figures stand quietly on bookshelves and desks, reminding us not just of a birthday, but of the love and thoughtfulness behind the gift.
