Editor’s note: The following letter to the editor was supposed to run the week of Valentine’s Day, but did not make it into the paper. However, its message is still timely.

Forty years ago a movie hit the big screen.

The tagline of “Love Story” was a simple phrase — “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Today, one of the hottest commercials shows a young man presenting his girl a three-diamond ring. The voice-over says, “Let it say all the things you don’t.”

Is it really so hard, or so bad, to say “I love you?” Is it out of style to say “I’m sorry?” Do we find talking so difficult that we simply don’t try? Can a gift, any gift ever really say what we should?

I’ve been in the jewelry business for 41 years and I’ve been married 37 of those years. Let me tell you what I believe is the truth.

Any gift, any card, should be accompanied by an “I love you.” Every day, regardless of time, place or occasion, should never end without telling someone you love them. You may not get another chance.

Husbands, tell your wife, let the kids hear it loud and strong. You’ll be giving them a gift as well. Fathers, tell your kids. Perhaps even if you become separated, they will remember the kisses on the foreheads, the sounds of the words “I love you,” more than the spankings or the discipline applied.

To a father or mother, a child is always and forever carried in the heart. Time, distance, family squabbles never can take that away.

Wives, remember to keep your husband yours by making him feel first in your life. I know we guys are hard to buy for — handkerchiefs and underwear are overflowing. But a card with a love note, a favorite dinner out makes all the difference. He’ll feel appreciated.

Finally, with each little token say a prayer for the person. Tell them! We never hear that enough. That, my friends, is the best gift of all, for prayers are expensive — they require what God has granted us in a finite way, time. What a Valentine’s gift time is! It’s so precious our Lord grants it second by second.

Use some of yours and give the gift of love by saying it every day.



Bob Boffa

Gardendale