Share Your Love Story and Tell Theirs

By: Allison Gilbert

Love is in the air, and everyone loves a love story. In the movie industry, the quirky moment when two main love interests meet is called a “meet cute.” The moment might be rather predictable in film, but real-life courtship often reveals far more fun and intrigue. After all, when you meet a new couple, don’t you instinctively ask, “How did you meet?” The same question helps us share the love stories of our loved ones who’ve passed away.

Valentine’s Day provides a wonderful excuse to honor every type of love, and not just the romantic kind. What made the relationship with your loved one – parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, friend, child, or spouse – so special?  

As February 14 approaches, gather a few photos, handwritten notes, or cards and post them online. Share with others why this person meant so much to you.

My paternal grandparents were deeply in love for decades. My grandmother never remarried after my grandfather died. I once asked her about that choice and she said, “Why? What would be the point when I already had the best?” 

I hope someday my children will share with their children my particular love story. My husband and I met as teenagers. We were counselors at sleepaway camp and both of us were immediately smitten. This year we’ll celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

You know and I know Valentine’s Day can be hard. But let’s try to reframe it. Let’s use this day to keep the memories of those we loved most alive.

Allison Gilbert is one of the most thought-provoking and influential writers on grief and resilience. She is the author of numerous books including, Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Grieving Children and the Advisory Board for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Watch Gilbert’s Google Author Talk, How to Harness Loss to Drive Happiness, here.