Richard Bach

“I’m here not because I am supposed to be here or because I’m trapped here, but because I’d rather be with you than anywhere else in the world.”

With Valentine’s Day just a couple days away, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight the quote above from Richard Bach, author of The Bridge Across Forever. He is an American writer and while several of his works are philosophical in nature, he can get a little mushy too. Bach also claims to be a direct descendant of the famous German composer with whom he shares his surname.

Yes, it is absolutely true that Valentine’s Day has likely gotten far too commercial for its own good, giving the opportunity for the industry to capitalize with expensive flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. At the same time, we should all take a moment to reflect on the most important relationships in our lives and cherish them accordingly.

Maybe this has to do with a new perspective from getting married and all, but I completely agree with Bach’s quote above. Some people will tell you that marriage is like a prison, shackling and restraining your freedom. Quite the contrary. Instead, it solidifies the choice I made, of my own free will, when I uttered those important two words: “I do.”

Marriage isn’t for everyone and I can appreciate that. To many people, it’s a formality that bears little meaning. That said, I think we can all agree that love is for everyone and we all need to cherish the special relationships we have in our lives. With our significant others, our friends, our family… For without love, what are we?