I am one of the fortunate ones who has a caring, loving Valentine. He’s not into Valentine’s Day but that matters not as I am well used to it now and know that he has a heart of gold and cares more about me than I could ever fully know.
But, today my heart is breaking for all those people who, for whatever, reason are trying to scramble through this day in a world that feels empty and lonely because the love of their life is no longer with them.
I think especially of older couples who have been ripped apart by Covid19 after years of togetherness or young lovers whose imagined futures have been cut short by the death of one of them from Covid or some other illness or tragedy.
Days like this can be incredibly difficult when there is an assumption that love is in the air for all when, in fact, it feels like it has been replaced by an abyss of sadness.
I suspect most of us have known Valentine’s Days like that but they can be all too easy to cast into the background. However, we need to be especially cognisant that love can bring agony as well as ecstasy and much in between and none of us knows how the dice will fall.
I just hope that those who are feeling lonely today have a treasure trove of memories to draw upon that can sustain them and that they can see even a tiny glimmer of light for the the future.
Let none of us be complacent and let all of us be empathetic.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Beautifully expressed, Jean. I have been thinking of my high school friend who just lost her husband to Covid.
Must be so hard on her.
Yes Jean you have put this beautifully put. My heart also goes out to all those who are abused, male or female and this is just another frightening day.
https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/two-sides-to-valentine/
A horrendous thought, WIllow.
Yes sadly it is 💜
😢
Very well put! I know a gentleman in our church, for whom this is the first Valentine’s Day without his wife who died of cancer.
That must be very tough for him.
Yes! I grew up with his wife in Iowa. I actually hitchhiked from Virginia to Pennsylvania for her brother’s wedding in the 60’s. He also died of cancer complications 10 years ago.
That sounds like very bad luck.
Long way to hitchhike. Interesting how it was so acceptable in the 60s.
Interesting times, for sure.
I can imagine and half remember.
During those years I worked part time at the college radio station, and was broadcasting the news regarding the Vietnam war, etc.
That must have been pretty grim. I’ve known a few Vietnam veterans and it certainly seemed to have left awful scars.
Yes, it was not pleasant for those closest to it.
An understatement, methinks.
You are right. PTSD shows that.
Absolutely
💯
agreed..this can be a very lonely time for many. I often hear some complaining about having to see all the couples happy pics and valentines day wishes on social media. So i am careful never to post about it. On the other hand i do feel it’s a bit disheartening to feel ‘guilty’ for being a couple simply because others aren’t in a relationship..kind of a catch-22. I just do what i can to be considerate all around.
Sounds like you are very thoughtful
Beautiful and thoughtful post. So very true!
Thank you.