My father died last year on February 11, 2007. We had the funeral on February 14th. As you can imagine, this will color my perception of Valentines Day from now on.
Please remember two things on this Valentines Day (and other holidays as well):
- For some of us, the holiday can be bittersweet at best – a reminder of those no longer with us. For example, Charlie Chaplin died on Christmas Day. This doesn’t color my perception of that day. But I can understand how it might affect his children or surviving friends. Or people who strongly identify with Charlie.
- If your Dad is alive, give him a hug …. Remember that we only get our parents for a short stretch of time. We can only tell them that we can love them now. I don’t have any regrets about my relationship with my Dad. I loved him and he knew it, and he loved me and I knew it. But some people aren’t that fortunate. Give your Mom and your siblings a hug as well – it certainly won’t be wasted.