Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

By: Jill Pertler

We are in the ‘amore’ season of the year.

Love. Kisses. Hearts. Roses. Romantic cards. Candles. Champagne. A box of chocolates.

On February 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Or, better put, some of us do.

For many years, the day had personal significance to me because I actually had a real life Valentine. He even lived with me. We at meals together, slept in the same bed and made plans for the future. On Valentine’s Day we used to exchange cards and everything. I even received a dozen roses on more occasions than I can remember. We were the real deal.

For 33-plus years, my husb...