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Why a Handwritten Love Note Is Still Valentine’s Day’s Most Powerful GestureIBy Sonny Melendrezn a season crowded with instant messages and same-day deliveries, a handwritten love note stands apartbecause it asks something rare of the writer: time, intention, and care. Especially when written in cursive, it becomes more than a message. It becomes a keepsake.Unlike a text or email, a handwritten love note has weight. You can hold it. You can fold it. You can keep it. Long after Valentine’s Day has passed, it can be tucked into a drawer or slipped between the pages of a book, waiting to be rediscovered. When it is found again, the words do not feel old. They feel preserved.Cursive adds another layer of intimacy. It reflects the writer’s personality in a way typed words never can. The slant of the letters, the pressure of the pen, the rhythm of the lines all reveal mood and emotion. It says,“This came from my hand, not a screen.”There is another, often overlooked benefit. Receiving a handwritten note inspires us to write one ourselves, much like the ripple effect created by random acts of kindness. Gratitude has a way of reproducing itself.On a personal note, I have letters written by my two sons that mean more to me than any award I could receive. I have also kept every card my loving and passionate wife, Linda, has given me over the past 42 years. That is a lot of love preserved in ink.I once believed perfect penmanshipPLAYGROUNDOpening January 17, 2026COME FLY WITH US334 Singing Oaks Spring Branch, TX 78070Follow usfor more updatesmattered. It doesn’t. As long as the words can be read, it is the emotional honesty that counts.On Valentine’s Day, when expressions of love can feel predictable, a handwritten note in cursive quietly breaks through the noise. It does not compete for attention. It earns it. And in doing so, it carries the quiet evidence that someone stopped what they were doing and chose to focus on one person.As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.”Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.Looking For An Affordable Way To Direct Mail?The Cost of Postage has gone up! We offer the best way to target your back yard!Our “Good News”publications goes to:• Helotes• Stone Oak• Bulverde & Spring BranchWhat you get!• Advertising to over 48,000 homes and businesses.• A customize ad at no additional cost.• Packages available with your business feature article & video!We Got You... Call NOW to get your space!(210) 548-6448www.highlightspub.comVALENTINE’S DAYBy Tish Smith JenningsWe’ve said goodbye to Christmas. It’s almost Valentine’s Day. January is crash time. Hearts and roses aren’t far away.Decorations are displayed. Room lights are bright pink and red.This is such a festive hue.It looks like a fire has spread.Kids exchange Valentine’s cards. They munch on sweet candy hearts.Maybe they’ll have a school dance. Another fun occasion starts.Music, candles, dinner, and wine, It is the night of romance.We dress for the ambiance. We’ve made great plans in advance.It’s nice to feel so special. This day goes by way too fast. They should make it Valentine’s Week.We girls want to make it last.Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all.I hope everyone’s got a date With chocolates and flowers sent, Gentlemen, don’t arrive late!It is time to celebrate!February 2026www.bsbhighlights.com 5