Grief and Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions that pierces our grief like a pin to a balloon with its messages of love and romance and togetherness. As you walk the aisles of even the grocery store, the red and pink cards, messages, candy boxes, and valentines are prominent reminders of the empty space in our hearts that our loved one used to fill. For those who are grieving a spouse or life partner the cards and messages of love prickle the heart. For bereaved parents, the packages of colourful valentines and treats for school hit at the knees. Yet most of our family and friends who are not on their own grief journey don’t connect the dots of Valentine’s Day and grief pain. 

For some of us, simply acknowledging the pain of grief at Valentine’s Day and surviving the day is what is needed. For others, there is a deeper need to connect with and remember our loved ones in meaningful and tangible ways. Our Park Memorial family understands the need to speak the names of our loved ones, share stories of our loved ones, and share messages of love and remembrance. Did they love Valentine’s Day? How did they make it special for you every year? 

If you are a friend or family member that is supporting someone who is grieving this Valentine’s Day, know that this day has as many triggers and emotional tolls as all of the other special days on the calendar. Acknowledging the day and the pain that it holds gives the person who is grieving not only permission but validation to feel all the feels and share with you how much they miss their person. 

For more information on how to support a loved one who is grieving, read our blog post “How Do You Support A Grieving Friend?”