Daily Quote: February 14, 2021

It is easier to build strong children
than to repair broken men.

~ Frederick Douglass (American – Author / February 14, 1818 – February 20, 1895)

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Holidays and Celebrations:

• Valentine’s Day
• Lupercalia
• Autism Sunday
• Frederick Douglass Day
• Library Lovers Day
• Read to Your Child Day

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Porte Musings:

Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s a gruesome day in history for Valentine from the Middle Ages who was beheaded on February 14th. It is alleged that he left a card for his beloved, signed “from your Valentine” and that is why we exchange cards with our loved ones on this day. There was another Valentine, a bishop that we also celebrate on this day who performed illegal marriages with young couples before men went into the army. He was also beheaded for not obeying the Roman Emperor who wanted only single men as soldiers. Another less gruesome celebration was the Roman festival called Lupercalia. Young men randomly drew names of young women to escort to the festival. So spend the day with the one you love and celebrate Lupercalia.

Autism Sunday is the second Sunday in February. I find it get’s a little lost this year in the Valentine’s Day Celebrations. It is a day of prayer for Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Please remember these two Mental Health issues today in your prayers. Research continues to find the cause and cure but in the meantime we are trying our best for people with these problems to have normal productive lives.

On February 14th, we also remember Fredrick Douglass. Fredrick Douglass (born a slave, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey). Self taught he escaped slavery with forged documents and changed his name. He became a major influence in the fight against slavery and met with Lincoln  to help organize the Massachusetts 54th and 55th black regiments. He was an orator speaking out for abolition. When Lincoln was assassinated, Mary Lincoln gave his walking stick to Fredrick Douglass. During Black History Month it is important to remember: It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Today’s quote and picture are a repeat from last year and my favorite Valentine’s Day picture of my son and grandson going for a walk together.

On February 14th we also celebrate Library Lover’s Day and Read to you Child Day. With the current Ontario wide lockdown Libraries are only available online, and we can’t see our grandchildren in person, but we can meet via Facebook Messenger and read a story to them, so we can help build strong children.