Journey of Hearts 

Happy Valentine's Day

It may seem a bit strange to be listing Valentine's Day under the Condolence and Sympathy section, since it it traditionally viewed as happy occasion. For many of my adult years, Valentine's Day was a very difficult one to deal with, because I spent it alone. I created this page to help those who are having difficulty with the day, with suggestions for something to do to make it a less painful occasion. This is dedicated to all those who may have lost their special someone, or those who have yet to find him/her.

To understand any living thing you must creep within and feel the beating of its heart.

For me, Valentine's Day was always a harsh reminder of the absence of having someone special in your life. As a medical student and resident physician-in-training, it was often difficult to see the nursing staff and married student's getting special flowers from that "Special Someone," when you were wondering, when or if, you would ever find someone.  Perhaps, because of the pressures that society places on Women in particular to be part of a "couple," Valentine's Day is harder for the single female. These feelings were depicted on a classic "Friends" episode, where Phoebe leads Monica and Rachel on a Valentine's Burning Ritual (only to have the fire department respond) to help them deal with the holiday.
Valentine's Day is also difficult for those who have lost that special someone, due to breakups, divorce or death. As with Christmas. Birthday's and Anniversaries, Valentine's Day can be another of the painful 'trigger' days.

Ways of Coping

I have pulled together many of the quotes, stories, articles, lyrics, poems, blessings, and suggestions which I hope will be helpful for those who are grieving or just trying to deal with Valentine's Day. As with the suggestions for dealing with Christmas, many of the ways of dealing with the pain and heartache is to reach down and help someone else up.

There is no better exercise for your heart, 

True Drops of Love  Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, one has to be extraordinary.  What we need is to love without getting tired.  How does a lamp burn?   Through the continuous input of  small drops of oil. If the drops of oil run out, the light of the lamp will cease.     What are these drops of oil in our lamps?  They are the small things of daily life:  faithfulness, punctuality, small words of kindness, a thought for others, our way of being silent, of looking of speaking,  and of acting.  These are the true drops of love.  Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your  strength lies.      Mother Teresa

Kind words toward those you daily meet, Kind words and actions right, Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into light. Isaac Watts

Stories
These three stories tell of the importance of love, of caring and how even in little ways you can make a difference and an impact on someone.
A Great Love
The Starfish
The Sandpiper

Articles
These articles, both from authors who have died, help to put life into perspective. Dr. Buscaglia reminds us that "Death teaches us--if we want to hear--that the time is now," and to "Live now." Erma Bombeck charges us to "seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...but most of all...never give it back!"
Learn the Joy of the Moment  Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D.
If I had My Life to Live Over Erma Bombeck
Lyrics
What has helped to pull me through many dark moments are music and the lyrics that go along with them. I separated the lyrics into sections, depending on what sort of mood you might be in:
Dreams & Dreamers
• A Dream is a Wish...
• Dream Weaver
• The Rose
Lost Love
• My Love
• I Grieve
• Tears in Heaven
• Help Me Say Goodbye
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Hope
• I'll Be There
• My Heart Will Go On
• One Sweet Day
Poems
These three poems convey different feelings.
For everyone, every day:
A Valentine's Wish ~ Love
For those looking for the power of love to reach and heal from beyond the grave, and a thought for creating a long-standing Valentine's:
Valentine's Roses
For those who have lost a love:
Lost Love
Blessings
These blessings are included for those who just are wondering how to survive the day. Some thoughts for peace, happiness and hope.
• Sufi Prayer
• Ancient Sufi Prayer
• A Blessing for Happiness
• One Day in Peace
Things to Do
Visit a "Love Site"
• The World of Dr. Leo Buscaglia - author of books such as Living, Loving and Learning he has touched untold numbers with his insights into how we seek

happiness and create loving relationships.
• Simply Love - a website devoted to promoting loving relationships world-wide.
• Loving You - a website devoted to love, romance and relationships (not advised for those who have just lost one!)
Tell another single friend, family member or Net pal how much you care and help pick up their spirits!
• Send Someone Balloons
• Send Someone Flowers
• Send a "Dozen Roses"
• Send a Blue Mountain Hug
• Send a Postcard from the "Love Professor"
For those who want to send Traditional Valentine's Messages:
• Send a "Thank you for your Love" Poem by Leonard Nimoy
• Send a Blue Mountain Valentine's Card
• Send Someone Flowers
• Send a "Dozen Roses"
• Send a Postcard from the "Love Professor"
• Send a 4 my love cards
For those dealing with a broken heart, share the feelings with a friend who has also been in that position!:
• Send a Broken Heart or Love Stinks
• Send a Postcard from the "Love Professor"
For those wanting to remember a lost loved, light a candle or send a letter:
• The Anonimmus Shrine
• Letters to Heaven