Hallmark sees me coming and they roll out the red carpet. Or at least they should -- I'm the sentimental type, and they usually manage to make a good chunk of change off of me. Last night was no exception.
In a store blanketed in red, white and pink for Valentine's Day, I had a mission beyond the cards I chose for that holiday: birthday cards and sympathy cards. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, so the cycle of life continues.
Bittersweet moments abound for me on this holiday, as I turn my focus to people in my life for whom this Monday marks more than just a romantic occasion.
For my own mother, beyond rejoicing in the relationship she shares with a man who has shown her new vistas in life, she celebrates her birthday.
So, I give a nod to the date that the woman who gave me life was herself born. And then I continue on with my writing, for this is my birthday present to her. My mother is proud when I use the talents she's known I had all along!
My mother will understand and approve of me turning my attention toward the other mother with whom I'm blessed, my mother-in-law. Not only is my mother grateful for the care this beloved woman has shown for me over the years, her heart is with her now for an even more somber reason: on Saturday, we buried my mother-in-law's valentine.
This is the first time in over forty years that she faces the day alone. Both she and my Aunt Kathryn were made widows this week when cancer took their spouses.
And this is why, when the rest of the media focus today on couples who are lucky to have someone to share the joy with, I reach out to those who have lost their loves either to death other circumstances.
I also embrace and wish to give solace to those have not yet found their true love or are kept apart from them by distance or time.
Please do not despair or be dragged down by your loneliness. While grief should not be repressed, for stifling sadness only causes greater strain, we should not let ourselves be strangled in its grip.
I do not profess to be an expert on love or coping with grief, but I've found we should cry when necessary, and then remember why we loved the person we miss and laugh with these happy memories.
Listen to songs you shared with that person, look at pictures that evoke pleasant memories, smell their signature perfume or aftershave, buy a bouquet of their favorite flowers, or watch a movie that reminds you of them.
Let the glow that comes from this comfort you, and share this light with others in your life that you care for.
Romantic love is not the only love you can celebrate on Valentine's Day!
May love surround all my readers today!
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