Thanks to all my special valentines

"Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart." "To the man I married." " All my love to my wonderful wife." " To a handsome grandson." " To our adorable granddaughter." "To the best grandmother in the world."

And let's not forget the teachers, who are said to receive more valentine greeting cards than anyone else.

I have always enjoyed sending valentines more than Christmas cards when everything is so rushed. My valentine memories go way back to Lincoln Elementary School in Adrian when we dropped our valentines into the slot in a large box that was decorated with red hearts and cupids. It was a fair exchange. We each received a card from everyone, but once home, we singled out those from our special friends as keepsakes.

Of the 150 million valentines sent annually, most seem to be earmarked for family members. So what about the people who are remembered fondly because they have touched our hearts in a variety of ways and for many reasons? They may not be relatives and we don't love them in the true sense of the word. We just want to express our feelings of respect, admiration, and appreciation as Feb. 14 approaches

I made a list of the men and women I like to call my special valentines. There are no flowery cards for them, cute verses, or loving messages dripping with hugs and kisses. The several strangers who helped in my travels with directions, carrying luggage, and untangling cell phone and digital camera problems are not included. No names were exchanged, just good deeds.

I am sure most everyone can compile a similar heartfelt valentine remembrance list. I guarantee the rewards will warm your heart. Here is a sampling from my long list.

● Denise Walsh, The Blade carrier who has a long all-night rural delivery route must be happy with this mild winter. She leaves cheerful notes in the mailbox and makes sure my Blade is on time and dry in adverse weather.

● Sister Paul Mary's welcome Christmas card reminded me that I judged the dog parade for her at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Oregon and she, in turn, accepted my invitation to judge the Toledo Rib-off when I was judging chairman at Promenade Park. We are friends forever. She is now mother superior, Little Sisters of the Poor, Richmond, Va.

● Charlene Conrad is known for her cheerfulness at Conrad's Car Wash on Airport Highway. Regular customers soon learn Matty Joseph is her favorite valentine. He wears a fur coat year around and has a classy apartment by the ticket office.

● Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Lee, a former neighbor, is a Marine stationed in Afghanistan. Who can give me some tips on what I might send him in a package? Just a valentine greeting won't suffice for this fine young man serving our country.

● Carolyn, whose fortitude in her battle against cancer is incredibly strong. She keeps friends updated on her progress with regular informative emails and goes to work the few hours that she can each day after hospital treatments. She is truly an amazing woman.

● Mr. Ed, who annually gets the good neighbor award from me, is always Johnny on the spot even if I'm calling long distance in December to ask him to plug in the heater in the garage to keep the animals warm.

● Uncle Vance in Northville, Mich., is my idol for two reasons. He is a delightful conversationalist and he will be 105 March 1. I am banking on a good visit and inheriting his longevity.

● Mary Lyons Smith of Adrian, the den mother of the Adrian High School class of 1946, makes sure the class meets monthly, even when she is wintering in Phoenix .

● Maria and Ilene, residents at the Terrace nursing home, Daytona Beach, Fl., adopted my cousin Joyce as a best friend soon after she was admitted there. It is a joy to see the sweet friendship bloom in such circumstances and it means a great deal to me.

Mary Alice Powell is a retired Blade food editor. Contact her at: mpowell@theblade.com.