It's almost here! The day so many people look forward to each year.. The day of wine and roses. And chocolates galore! The romantic dinner and dancing. The beautiful new outfits. Life just couldn't be better.
It's almost here! The day so many people dread each year. The day of sorrow and sadness. Memories of happier times and days gone by. Memories of spouses now deceased. Memories of sweet times stolen by dementia. Thoughts and worry of spouses deployed.
Which day is almost here for you? For me, it's somewhere in the middle. Thankfully I haven't lost a spouse to death or dementia, nor is he deployed to another country. He is however absent for the day. Working on assignment hundreds of miles away. SO, he won't be coming through the door with a vase of roses and a box of chocolates. The best it get's will be a delivering guy from the florist. And that's OK. I'm thankful he has a job. But what will I do while others are out celebrating Valentines? Well I have choices!
Galentines! I just heard this term a few days away. Self explanatory. Gals, all without a guy for whatever reason, get together and celebrate one another in whatever season of life you are in. Dress up! Go out to dinner. Have a glass of wine. Bring chocolates for everyone. A flower for everyone. Voila! Wonderful memories made with those you care about.
And Palentines? (I just made that word up). Well it's the same only shared with friends of both genders. Don't leave the guy pals to bring all of the flowers and chocolates either. Pals are equals! Gals do your part.
Now, while there is never anything wrong with planning some fun for ourselves and friends, lets keep in mind those who may be drenched in sadness. In this instance I am referring to the widows. (James 1:27). Although not all widows are elderly, many are. They find themselves alone after having been blessed with marriage for decades. This can be a time of such sadness. They can even wonder sometimes why they are still here on earth in their advanced age. Honestly many of them would much rather be reunited in Heaven with their beloved.
Although we can never replace their loss, we can help to diminish their sadness, if only for a short time. Most often, it doesn't take a lot to bring joy to an elderly persons life. They have learned to live with less. Less material things. Less company. Less activity. Most are easily satisfied.
These are some very simple ways to take a widows mind off of the fact that her beloved is no longer with her:
Take her some flowers, or A flower. Less is more most often.
Chocolates, or sugar free chocolates. Again, a very few is better than the giant box we think we have to have.
Dinner, out OR in. She may or may not even be able to go out anymore. If she is, a restaurant or someones home. If not, bring dinner for the both of you to where she is, and by all means stay a while and visit. Elderly people love to visit and talk about the past.
On a more larger scale, host a number of widows for lunch. If your home isn't large enough, consider renting a venue or host at a church. Recruit some help with cooking and serving. Teens are great for this. Find a few drivers to pick your guests up for the evening. Have the driver present them with a flower upon arrival and escort them in. Dress up for the occasion. Suits for the chauffeurs. Black pants and white shirts for the waitstaff. Dresses for the hostess. Sandwiches and fruit can keep the menu simple and affordable. Name plates for the tables. Linen clothes and napkins.
Even a 2 hour luncheon will surely brighten these folks day and bring a smile where there may not have been one.
Are you without a sweetheart this Valentines? I'd love to hear how you spent your time in the comments.
Remember to always Be Prepared To Bless.
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