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Valentine’s Day is here, celebrated on February 14 by millions of people throughout the world. People express their love for each other by sending love notes called "valentines." Although we tend to send valentines to those who are still with us, what about those that are no longer physically present? Those that are still present in our hearts can be celebrated and honored. We have a choice to take the L out of lonely and put the L into Love by reaching out to others in kindness.

Making a difference in the lives of others can help our loneliness and make others feel loved. "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love," said Mother Teresa.

Small gestures of kindness go a long way. Here are some suggestions in reaching out to others than may feel lonely also.

• Visit a nursing home and share valentines with the residents.
• Make valentines and deliver them to a local hospice so they can be delivered to patients and families.
• Learn how you can be a hospice volunteer.
• Attend a grief support group to honor your loved one and share your story with others so they don’t feel so alone in their journey.
• Bring crafts to a local school for the children to make valentines
• Volunteer to help with a craft class at a local nursing home
• Send valentines to our troops
• Clean out your home and closets for donation
• Serve a meal at the Salvation Army
• Bring valentines to the Senior Center at meal time
• Bring crafts to a local women’s domestic violence shelter so the kids can make valentines
• Make a call to a friend or relative that you haven’t talked to for a long time
• Find a wonderful thing that your family member has done and let them know how wonderful it was

This special day is about letting others know that we care. We all need to be wanted and cared for. It is human nature and what makes our lives fulfilling.

Louise Williams is the Director of Hospice of the Pines.

Note: Please mark your calendars to join us on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 5-8pm for An Evening with Movie Classics at the Rose Restaurant. Watch for upcoming details. You may also This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Louise Williams at 632.0111