Juliet:
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.
Romeo:
[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
Juliet:
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand nor foot,
Nor arm nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
and for thy name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.
Romeo And Juliet Act 2, scene 2, 33–49
Wow, that’s really all you can say when you read this very famous excerpt from Romeo and Juliet (particularly with the knowledge of the fate of the star crossed lovers!) I, personally, am glad that love (and life) isn’t quite as dramatic and complicated as this particular relationship. As we approach February 14th the topic of love comes more frequently to mind, and, although the love we feel might not be as dramatic as that of Romeo and Juliet the love in our life can be as full and enriching. Valentine’s Day (according to Wikipedia) was named for Saint Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians. Legend says that during his imprisonment he healed the daughter of his jailer and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Hmm, that still sounds pretty dramatic (oh, I mean ROMANTIC)!
Well, as the day of love approaches, take a few minutes to consider why you chose that ‘special someone’ in your life. Think of the time he/she devotes to you and (perhaps) your kids! Really, is a greeting card and some chocolates sufficient.... really?? Strive to be the romantic (or dramatic) star struck lover this year – write her a hand written poem or love note and tuck it in with a beautiful piece of jewelry from Schmidt Jewelers. This year, go for the ‘wow factor’ (and I mean “wow” in a good way!!)
