Helping the lonely and bereaved through Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a day of romance and love, treats and surprises, meals and gifts, but for many, it is a day which magnifies a sense of sadness and loss for those who have lost loved ones or who are alone.
Valentine’s Day for me is not a great day for celebration, as my father died on February 14, 2003. My husband and I never celebrated it particularly, as our wedding anniversary is two weeks later, but after Dad died, I can’t celebrate it at all. I usually try to go out to the cinema and distract myself as much as possible.
For my mother, it’s worse. Never a romantic at heart, my father did at least send Valentine’s cards to my Mum and to myself and my sisters as we grew up……very sweet, as we didn’t get many others!
It’s led me to think of how we might celebrate Valentine’s day with our older parents, who are now alone, so they too can have a special day or at least a day in which they can reminisce about absent loved ones.
Here are my top suggestions:
Afternoon tea and photos
Why not take your older relative out for tea, or take a tea party to them, maybe with a glass of bubbly to go with it and have a chat about the past. Get out the photo albums and reminisce about the past and events which you all remember. It’s bound to make you smile and maybe cry as well
Go for a walk or a drive
Getting outside in the fresh air is always a good idea, so why not pick a walk to do together,if your older parent is mobile, or if not, go for a scenic drive and stop for tea or a drink in the local pub (non-alcoholic is you’re driving!). there are some great country houses to visit and we have some suggestions HERE
Head for a museum or art gallery
Culture is also soothing and distracting, so take in an exhibition you’ve been meaning to see. See some of our suggestions HERE
Crafts with the kids
Get your kids to make cakes, do a painting, play with clay or play a board game with granny or grandad, complete with plenty of hugs
Go to the cinema or the theatre
Watching a film or a play or musical is a great way to distract your older relative on Valentine’s Day. Just try to ensure you choose something upbeat!
Send flowers
Everyone loves to receive flowers, so take a bouquet round or send it if you can’t visit in person. It will make your loved one feel really special.
