Valentine’s Day can feel like an exclusive event reserved for those in committed relationships. The truth is, we’re all in committed relationships! From lifelong friends and trusted mentors to family members and beloved pets, we are each connected to others in ways that fill our lives with love. And that’s worth celebrating!
In honor of Valentine’s Day, a few members of our team are sharing their own stories of heartfelt connection. Stories that remind us that this day is more than roses and chocolate (though, both are lovely!). Valentine’s Day is also about creating joy-filled moments with those who teach us what the word love means each and every day.
January 28, 2020
Compendium
Everyone Has a Love Story
It’s a Family Affair
Steve P., Design Manager, National Accounts
“For the past 25 years, my wife and I have dedicated Valentine’s Day to making our kids feel loved. Our tradition is to share a family dinner. It started when our kids were small, but old enough to know that this meal meant something extra special for them. We’d set the table with fancy glasses and colorful napkins, complete with candles, confetti, and other decorations. The menu has always included heart-shaped food—heart-shaped macaroni, PB&Js, pizza, waffles—and so much more. We’d also give each of our four kids a small, meaningful gift just for them.
Even now that they are grown and married, our kids still look forward to our special dinner (and they bring their spouses too!).”
With Love, from Mom
Moira L., Marketing Coordinator
“From kindergarten all the way until I was a senior in high school, my mom would write me a special note and tuck it in my lunch on Valentine’s Day. Whether she shared the message on a napkin or inside a card, her thoughtful gesture helped remind me that I was loved.
During my first year away at college, my mom sent me a special Valentine’s Day care package. It was like opening my lunch box all over again. And it was her way of letting me know that no matter where I am in the world, she sends her love.
Her tradition of leaving little love notes is one I plan on passing down with my own kids.”
Holding On to Grandpa’s Love
Angeline C., Marketing Manager
“My grandfather (lovingly called Tatay by our entire family) was an avid greeting card sender. And Tatay always made sure to give my grandmother a card every Valentine’s Day—even as it got harder over the years. My grandmother was eventually diagnosed with dementia and Tatay had knee replacement surgery. Nonetheless, he made sure to hobble out and pick up a card for her.
Tatay used cards throughout the year to let his family know he was thinking about them. On the back of his address book was a list of his grandchildren’s birthdays. He never missed a single birthday—and there were ten of us! I’ve held on to my grandfather’s greeting cards. And every time I look at them I reflect on his kindness and how he made all of us feel so special.”
A Purrfect Companion
Amelia R., Senior Writer
“My first cat as an adult was named Gracie. I had her since she was a kitten and her birthday was on Valentine’s Day. She was my Valentine every year through my 20s and early 30s—whether I was in a partnership or not. Gracie was my girl, and I always knew she would be there, no matter what was happening in my life. She was my Valentine through my first job, my first apartment, a big move across the country, and my first really big breakup. She even helped me know that my husband Chris was the right guy for me (she didn’t typically warm up to other people, but she liked him right away). I miss Gracie dearly, and the first year after she was gone, for Valentine’s Day, Chris put together a collage of pictures of her to honor all the years we had together.”
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Let Valentine’s Day be your invitation to create a special memory for a loved one. Visit our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for creative ways to put a smile on someone’s face.
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