DAYTONA BEACH, Fla -- Four years ago today - on Valentine's Day to be precise -- Steve Bibeault draw a heart in the sand as a symbol of love for his girlfriend, Beth Brymer.
They were married the following year on Sept. 10, on the World's Most Famous Beach in Daytona where Bibeault drew the heart. The second time around is truly wedded bliss for both of them who live within a short drive to the beach in greater Daytona in a blended family. He has two grown children who've made their way in the world and she has a daughter, a freshman at Atlantic High School.
For Bibeault, who turns 50 next month, love is something he has learned to appreciate and savor. He presented his wife with a beautiful bouquet of flowers first thing this morning for Valentine's Day.
Beth Brymer Bibeault was so overwhelmed by her husband's show of affection, she posted a pic of the bouquet on her Facebook page, saying, "I love my husband so much you made my day Stevo Biebs I love you."
It doesn't get any better than that for Bibeault. And while every marriage has its ups and downs -- in this case, the only irritation, if you can even call it that is Bibealt's dislike for his wife's white cockatoo, Nigel.
"I don't know what (it) says," Bibeault says of the white-feathered bird. "He screams a lot. My wife rescued him from a dead guy's house so I don't know how old it is. I'm hoping it's extremely old but with my luck is probably 5."
Sensing Bibeault's reaction is more jealousy than anything else with the constant attention the bird receives, Headline Surfer proffered the situation with Beth Bibeault by stating, "I think Steve really likes your cockatoo, Nigel... Well, maybe not..."
Her reaction, tongue and cheek: "Oh boy touchy subject, lol."
There appears to be common ground on two other pets that round out the Bibeault household: Beth Bibeault's prized, collie, Leona Grace; his mom's black lab, Jasper, when his mom goes on vacation or out of town; and believe it or not, two more birds, a quaker parrot named Gator and a cockatiel called Simba. Bibeault is ok with those birds, reiterating his disdain for Nigel: "The cockatoo I hate."
And while hate is a strong word, Bibeault, who left Tomoka Correctional as a prison guard two years ago for NASA, readily signs off on a word he feels for his wife and their family (the one exception noted): "Love."
Valentine's Day reflected on by a prominent politician
Valentine's Day is always special to Fred Costello, of nearby Ormond Beach, a former congressman, state representative, and mayor.
"It is hard to believe that Linda and I got engaged on Valentines Day 46 years ago," Costello said. "I know -- not very original. But what a ride!"
Costello explained: "After raising our three children (who are now 43, 40 and 39) we have had a great combo of children and grandchildren living with us the last few years -- up to eight of us living together in our home. We now miss Eric, Denise, and Carson, but are so happy they have been able to buy their first home. And Skylar is 18, doing her own thing."
Costello continued: "So now we are down to three of us. Fortunately, our 4-year-old granddaughter, Arianna, is delightful. But Linda reminds everybody we will be 84 when Arianna graduates high school so we have to stay healthy to keep up with her as she grows."
While romance and lives shared is what Valentine's Day means to those around this special day, Costello was rather stoic in reflecting on "several friends who died far too soon. I hope they knew how much we treasured them. My bad if they didn’t.We must make every day a day to celebrate family and friends ... realizing some will leave us far too soon."
Costello, like other Republican political insiders, was still reeling over Breaking News: Volusia GOP Chair Tony Ledbetter succumbs to cancer. Ledbetter's passing at 71, followed that of State Sen. Dorothy Hukill on Oct. 2 from cervical cancer at 72.
And so Valentine's Day has taken on new meaning for Costello, with a personal vow to "work harder to share my love with those I care about every day."
And in true politician-speak, Costello added, " I hope you will do likewise. Let’s truly make life about building relationships and sharing experiences -- not gathering things. So Happy (make every day) Valentines Day! May God Bless YOU and your loved ones today and every day!"