Valentine’s Day was a great holiday.
Now, it’s a memory.
I was married for 17 years, and my husband knew how to make Valentine’s Day special. He actually started a tradition while we were dating. He made Fettuccine Alfredo, coconut shrimp, and bananas foster. It was always a wonderful meal and a great evening. Unfortunately he passed away on February 11th, 2015. He was admitted to the hospital on February 8th. I remember joking with him that he needed to get better because he had to make Valentine’s Day dinner the following Saturday. He laughed.
Instead of his amazing dinner, we had his funeral on Valentine’s Day that year. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best date, but it was a Saturday and that was how the calendar worked.
It’s hard being single this time of year, for everyone. For me, it reminds me of both my most romantic moments and my hardest moments.
We have three sons and while this time of year is just as hard for them as it is for me, I remember the spirit of my husband. He was a fighter and he lived everyday to the fullest. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. He knew everyday was a gift and he made sure that my boys and I felt the love he had for us. To continue that spirit, my boys and I celebrate our love for him, for each other, for our family, and for our friends. Yes, we are sad, but we choose not to let the sadness take control of our lives. We eat the amazing meal (still not as good as Paul’s), we send cards and flowers, and most importantly, we love.
So, if you are single on this day of love, remember, you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate what or who you love. Celebrate! Eat the chocolate and all the carbs, because on Valentine’s Day, only love counts, not calories!
