WS Chronicle

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, with its candy-filled hearts, bouquets of roses, and gifts of love. At least that is what many of us relate to on that day.

But some see it as a reminder of what they do not have or who is missing from their life.

On Valentine’s Day, why not remember someone who might have been forgotten?

It seems to me that as we grow in technology, we are growing farther apart from one another. We have fewer reasons to be face to face or even take time to make a friendly phone call. Have you ever gotten an unexpected phone call from someone you have not spoken with in a long while? I have; my heart leapt with joy hearing the voice on the other end of the phone. Such a wonderful surprise and a simple gift! However, it appears that many of the under-40 crowd feels like a phone call is rude or intrusive. A reporter for the New York Times interviewed a young adult who said that you should send an email first before calling. What the heck?

The fact is many more people are hoping for a phone call or visit rather than chocolates or a text. There are people from all walks of life who would love to hear from someone: parents, grandparents, those who have no family, the widower, single parent, military spouse … the list could go on. I think we all know someone who could use a phone call to brighten their day.

Valentine’s – a day for love – should not only be for the sweethearts locked arm-in-arm strolling down the beach, as the advertisements would have us believe. It should also be a time to reach out to others. Give them a phone call, connect on Facetime or set up a Zoom meet-up. It only takes a few minutes to brighten a whole week for someone who needs to hear from you. 

Showing you care should not be limited to one day a year, but should be shared often and with many. It is the little things in life that makes life special. 

Who do you need to call today?

Robin Hurdle