By  LPJ

Valentine makes me think of roses, chocolates, a schmaltzy card and a fancy meal. But the true magic of Valentine is in the heart. It is a celebration of love.

But who is our Valentine?  A spouse, a son or daughter, a grandchild, a parent, a sibling, a special friend – anyone closely related. Today, the eve of Valentine, I remember my deceased husband who, when he was alive, would favor me with roses and dark chocolates, a fine dinner out or a sumptuous meal he would elaborately prepare for me at home. While I dearly miss his loving pampering, I cheerfully think of another Valentine, a strangely different kind that tugs at my heart in a spiritual and empathetic way.

For a background, I recently initiated a simple, modest family charity called JMP Group, a collaborative endeavor of the Jacob, Manuel, Pandes families. The mission is to share resources, in humble ways, with poor children and their families in Naga City, the place where I grew up in the Philippines. Maybe, it is a way of giving back to the community that I still love. On this Valentine weekend, JMP will hold an event in a “barangay” (barrio) considered among the poorest in, ironically, progressive and commercially advantaged Naga. Rice and canned goods will be distributed to 56 families, after a brief program where talks or instruction will be given on basic health, nutrition and cleanliness.

Though in California, so far away from Naga, I feel virtually engaged in the preparations for our charity event on Saturday, and I so look forward to reports and pictures of the activities: the program, the interactions and distribution of food aid at “barangay” Looban.  So far away, I can feel the delight of those who will serve – my auntie, nieces, nephews and cousins. I can imagine the eyes of the hungry children sparkling with anticipation, and the parents’ smiles of gratitude. I envision the families awed by the visit of strangers they’ve never seen before, but there in their midst to graciously serve them. My imagination is vast, but I expect that it will be this way, when hearts meet in kindness, generosity and love.

So you see who my Valentine is. I have many. My Valentines are the recipients of our offerings, families striving to live in an economically depressed barangay of Naga City.  My heart is with them. And I ask God for blessings for them.

But of course, I also wish Happy Valentine to those dearest to my heart – my son John, his wife Natasha, my grandson Eliott, my daughter Joy and her husband Matt.  I thank God for them and wish them God’s blessings, too.

My Valentines also are my family members, relatives who have willingly chosen to give their time and effort to participate in JMP’s second charity event this weekend, as well as the others involved in JMP, our worthwhile and modest family initiative to serve God by helping the poor and needy, in humility and love.

And to all, a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Linda P. Jacob