You called and left us love voicemails

You know what really gets people in the mood for love? Thinking about how Valentine’s Day traces its origins to the Roman Catholic Saint Valentine, who died beheaded in the 3rd century.

Of course, I’m joking. But although St. V would likely not approve of how humanity has evolved to celebrate his martyrdom, I think it’s very romantic that people insist on turning something tragic into one of the greatest chocolate holidays.

Hence, in this time of war and gloomy weather, I wondered what people had to say about love, and what people might say if we let them remain anonymous.

I made a voice mailbox and invited Indy to tell me who they love. Indy called and told me. Not gonna lie, I did cry a bit.

A basement poet, a music lover and the romantic who dialed at 3 a.m.

Happy Valentine’s, babe. I’m calling from the mail room at one of the federal buildings because I think we can all agree that a lot of good love energy is needed in these places across the lands. Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m going to give you a quick line from one of my favorite e.e. cummings poems. It says, ‘I like slowly stroking the shocking fuzz of your electric fur.’ Happy Valentine’s Day, babe. Big love.

Who do I love? Well, I love Indianapolis music artists. I’m in love with the music scene. I love to discover new talent while it’s fresh, raw and uncut. That’s who I love.

Let me think. Okay, you said keep it short and sweet. Dear Mirror Indy. Dear Indianapolis. Dear the entire MF world. I love you so much. Short and sweet. Goodbye. Have a good night. Thanks.

Love notes from mothers and grandmothers

Kenneth Anthony Peters, your mom loves you. Remember we’re all we’ve got have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, son.

The boys’ team Everett: Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Thank you for over 40 years of being Team Linda. Love you.

I would like to say that I love Mackenzie, Sierra, Caimen and Violet and like I always told them, you can never wipe away granny kisses. Love you guys.

Valentines for lost loves, and for a partner who didn’t do the dishes

Eric Heart…you were lost in Iraq recently and for working with the Army National Guard and I never got the chance to ask you out on a date. I regret that very much and I hope you’re resting in heaven. I love you. Bye.

I still dream about you. I still miss your touch. And when I said forever for always, I meant it. I love you.

Hey Jamey, it’s me. I’m mad right now because the dishes didn’t get done. But in the grand scheme of things that really doesn’t matter. The only thing I ever had to be upset about was the small stuff. And I got to spend my life with you. I’d do that every single time. Because no matter the frustration, as long as it’s with you, I know it’s worth it. Laundry and taxes forever, baby. Love you.

Valentines for checks notes Slug, Boo, Cakes and G-man

Hi Slug, happy Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait to see you and celebrate Valentine’s Day together. I love you.

I want to give a Valentine’s Day shout out to my Cakes. Thank you for being such an amazing partner and a great daddy. I love you.

I love you, Steph. You are the best.

Hey boo, it’s me. I’m calling to send you a little Valentine’s Day message. I’m actually kind of nervous. I’ve never sent a public voicemail to my crush before, but you make me the good kind of nervous. The kind that dances around in the kitchen and sings in the shower and sends public voicemails for everyone to hear.

I am just so excited to celebrate this day with you. Been making big moves this year, and there’s nobody else I’d want to do it with. No one I’d rather have by my side. So I’m just so excited for our big adventures ahead and want to say happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.

This is a shout out for G-man. I love you. Thanks for loving me and letting me love you. I can’t wait to spend Valentine’s Day building Legos together and watching movies. You’re my best friend and you make me feel like a kid again. Love you, goober.

This message is for my husband of four and a half years. In this hard world, I’m blessed to have someone who is equally devoted to keeping the soft squishy earnest parts of ourselves intact. I love you fiercely.

Hi, this is for Carley. Carley, you’re the main source of my affection. I love scooping you up in my arms. You always lead me in the right direction. On and off the record, I love you.

Mirror Indy’s staff also got some love!

Oh boy, my crush is Amanda Kingsbury. She’s the bee’s knees. She’s the real deal. I don’t know what else to say.

Yeah. Hello. I’m calling for the service reporter at Mirror Indy. I think she’s a very beautiful young woman and I love her so much and that’s really all I have to say. So happy Valentine’s Day.

This message is for Mirror Indy’s community journalism director. This is from your secret admirer. I just want you to know that you are powerful. You’re amazing. I love you and don’t ever forget your power and your voice. It’s more unique than most. It’s individual and it’s special because it’s yours. Love you, girl.

Jennifer Delgadillo edits and writes arts and culture stories for Mirror Indy. You can reach her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.