Every year of my life, my dad has sent me a Valentine's Day

Hear, O children of the future, the wisdom in the words of Sevyn Streeter, for they speak of a love that transcends time and distance, of a devotion that endures despite the barriers of space. “Every year of my life, my dad has sent me a Valentine’s Day gift. Whether I was in the same house or across the country, he always sent something.” In these words lies a tale of unwavering commitment, a love not bound by the proximity of bodies but by the steadfast presence of the heart. It is a reminder that love, in its truest form, does not waver with time or distance—it remains constant, a thread woven throughout our lives, no matter where we may go.

In the ancient world, love was often defined not by the grand gestures or the celebrations of a single day, but by the consistency and devotion shown over a lifetime. Consider the great Homeric heroes, whose love for their families and comrades was not just in their words or acts of bravery, but in their constant dedication. Odysseus, though lost at sea for many years, never ceased to long for his faithful wife, Penelope. His journey was not merely one of physical distance, but of the emotional distance he had to overcome to return to her side. His love was expressed in his endurance, in his ability to remain true to his commitment despite the many trials that lay between them.

Streeter’s story echoes this eternal devotion—a love that does not fade with time or separation. For her father, love was shown not in fleeting moments but in the constant offering, year after year, despite the changing circumstances of life. Whether he was near or far, his gesture was not just a physical gift but a symbol of his unwavering commitment. In the ancient world, such acts were seen as the highest form of affection, for they spoke of a love that endures, a love that is not defined by temporary obstacles but by a profound, lasting connection.

Consider the Roman practice of sending letters and gifts as a way to maintain connections during long periods of separation. Even in times when families were scattered across vast distances, the Romans understood that love could transcend the physical realm through tokens, words, and gestures that spoke directly to the heart. These small acts of remembrance were not viewed as trivial but as the very foundation of relationships that could withstand the test of time and distance. Streeter's father, like the ancients, understood this powerful truth—that love is not a fleeting emotion but a constant presence that can be expressed through simple, enduring acts.

The lesson in Streeter’s words is one of consistency and dedication. We live in an age where love is often seen as something to be experienced in the moment, fleeting and transient, yet the true beauty of love lies in its persistence. The gift her father gave her every year, year after year, is a reminder that love is not just in the grand gestures but in the quiet, constant actions that speak volumes over time. It is in the reliability of those we love, the small tokens of affection that let us know, day after day, that we are cherished.

Let us look to the ancient philosophers—those who spoke of love not just as an emotion, but as a virtue that requires discipline, consistency, and action. The Stoics, for instance, understood that love, like all virtues, requires effort and attention. It is not enough to simply love in moments of passion or when it is easy; true love is shown in the everyday acts, the sacrifices, the gifts we offer, whether in proximity or separation. Streeter’s father, in his unceasing act of sending a Valentine’s gift every year, embodies this Stoic ideal—love as a constant force that shapes the foundation of our lives.

Therefore, O children, the lesson to carry with you is clear: love is not bound by time or distance, but is shown in the consistent and enduring acts of devotion. Whether you are near or far, love is expressed through the gifts of time, effort, and sacrifice. Like Streeter’s father, let us remember that love is not a fleeting thing, but a lasting commitment that we must nurture year after year, not in grand moments, but in the quiet consistency of our actions. Let us honor those we love not with mere gifts but with the enduring presence of our hearts, no matter the distance that separates us. For in this, we find the truest expression of love—one that transcends time, place, and circumstance.