Valentine’s Day is almost here again, and with it comes that familiar annual scramble: picking out the perfect card, finding flowers that haven’t already sold out, and choosing a gift that truly says “I love you.”

Over the years, Valentine’s Day has become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in America—not just as a romantic tradition, but as a cultural and economic phenomenon. Each February, millions of people express affection through small gestures and grand surprises. Restaurants fill up, florists work overtime, and greeting card companies do their biggest business of the year.

What’s especially interesting is how Valentine’s Day has expanded far beyond its origins. What began centuries ago as a feast day honoring Saint Valentine has evolved into a worldwide celebration of love. Today, it’s observed in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond—each culture adding its own flavor, but all centered around the same universal theme: appreciation for those who matter most.

At Orange County Plastic Surgery, we see Valentine’s Day in a unique way. This season is often one of our busiest times of year, because many people choose to give their loved ones something a little different—an experience, an investment in confidence, or even a gift certificate for a procedure they’ve been considering for years. Please call one of our patient coordinators, Jo Cattell or Judy Sacedo, if you need any assistance with a gift certificate. Whether it’s facial rejuvenation, fat grafting, or simply Beauty Injections or a filler, these gifts are often deeply personal expressions of care.

For me, Valentine’s Day also brings reflection. It reminds me of where our understanding of love begins—at home. Many of you who read these blogs know about my mother, Jadviga. She lives about 90 minutes east of Toronto and has visited us many times in California and Massachusetts.

We call her every single day, checking in on her busy schedule—who she is visiting, who is visiting her, what she is baking, what concert or show she’s attending, what the weather is like, and so forth. She continues to live independently, celebrating each day with remarkable joy.
Growing up, the example of love that my mother and father showed us formed the cornerstone of everything I understand about devotion and family.

This coming February 14th will be my mother’s 100th Valentine’s Day. When she was a child in Latvia, this holiday wasn’t celebrated—but today, she is surrounded by love from across continents.

We sent her flowers a little early, and we’ll send more on Valentine’s Day. She is in our hearts every day.

LOVE YOU, MOM!

My Mom, who will be 100 years old in May, is celebrating her 100th Valentine’s Day!

My Mom taught us the Latvian language and how to read and write Latvian – best teacher ever!