Germain and Rolland Rhadigan

Some experts state that the day originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine."

It was a Valentine's card that brought together Sheriff Ron Kalanquin and the love of his life, Yolanda. Kalanquin met Yolanda at a dance in Flint and was smitten.

"I thought she was so pretty, and I asked her for her phone number," Kalanquin said. "She said 'no', and I was really frustrated."

In a last ditch effort, Kalanquin bought a Valentine's card and delivered it to Yolanda at her work. Cupid's arrow met its aim. The two have been happily married for 40 years.

No one is ever too young to celebrate the holiday.

"I was 5-years-old, in kindergarten, and Valentine's Day came along. I was at home with my family," said Real Estate One Gardner and Associates receptionist Kelly Forrest "I remember there being a knock at the door. My mom answered it, and brought in a huge bouquet of a dozen roses in a vase."

Forrest's mom naturally assumed the flowers were for her. "Her face was just one huge smile, until she read the card and found out they were for me," Forrest said. "And I remember my parents saying, 'In kindergarten, they are sending roses now?' It's quite comical to look back on it now. I've no idea where that boy is now, or what he's doing."

A long ago Valentine's Day story told many times by parents Germaine and Roland Rhadigan still evokes a smile to Lucie Hiner's face.

"My mom bought a Model T car in 1929," said Past Tense Country Store owner Lucie Hiner. "Back then most of the roads were gravel, and my mom had a crack in her window. My dad wanted to impress her and said he'd buy her a new window for Valentine's Day."

While the dating couple were on the way to buy the window, the car hit loose gravel.

"The Model T rolled and broke out every window," Hiner said. "So much for impressing her. My dad told that story for years. I'm 68 now."

Sometimes unusual Valentine's gifts leave a question mark on the recipient's face.

"My husband surprised me with a six-foot step ladder," said Michigan State Police administrative assistant Sandra Spencley. "Don't ask me."

Other Valentine surprises don't go as planned.

"I purchased a surprised sexy outfit to wear for my husband. It sure wasn't what it was supposed to be when I put it on," said Sandy Gentry of Mayfield Township. "I didn't have time to get anything else for him at the last minute, so I hid in the closet with it on. I surprised him. He said it was cute, but he was being nice. We laugh about it now."

There's always a special love throughout the years.

"I really don't have a Valentine right now," said Michigan State Police trooper Cevin Brown. "But then again, my daughter has always been my Valentine. She's 24 and I send her a card each year."

Ian Kempf wisely knows not to purchase flower for his spouse Joi. The two own Imlay City Florist and are inundated with plants through Thursday. Red roses are the most popular.

"It's always challenging what to get her," said Ian. "With the vast amount of flowers we process on that day, I figure I better not. I usually take her out for a nice dinner, but it's on a different night. We don't get done until 10 p.m. on Valentine's Day."

"It's different than other holidays which can stretch out a few days or a week," said Joi. "Everyone wants their Valentine's flowers on Feb. 14."

Werner's Hallmark is filled with both young and old in love during the week purchasing cards and candy. They also expect to be busy until store closing.

The staff often hears touching stories when they assist store patrons.

"I had a lady in here yesterday, and she bought a Valentine's anniversary card," said Werner's Hallmark assistant manger Sandy Williams. "She and her husband had been married 60 years and they'd outlived their children. It was sad."

Some couples have a quieter tradition. Long married Mayfield Township couple Bob and Chris Dryden celebrate in a quiet way.

"We go out to dinner or have a quiet night at home," said Chris Dryden of her husband Bob. "We'll be married 37 years in July."

Some happily married couples purposely ignore the day.

"I think it's more important to get surprises when they're unexpected," said Susan Osentoski of her husband Art. "It's more fun that way. Like when he picks you a flower from the garden."

That thought is echoed by Michigan State Police Sgt. Robin Walker.

"My husband shows his love in words and actions every day of the year," Walker said. "We don't need a Valentine's Day to communicate that."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com