It's no coincidence that Valentine's Day is during American Heart Month. But the two holidays aren't usually observed together. SheSpeaks member, SusanHN writes below about why the two occasions should be celebrated as one.
Read on to find out about a different meaning behind Valentine's Day. Plus, enter to win a $75 gift card to your favorite restaurant to share a meal with someone you love.
"My husband and I were never that into Valentine's Day. We've usually put a few pink and red decorations on the window, cooked a favorite meal, and gave our kids a heart-shaped box of candy. It's always been very minimal. Until now.
This year, we will embrace Valentine's Day much more than usual - because we are not just celebrating love, we are also celebrating hearts.
About a year ago, my husband randomly started having what he described as heart palpitations. We both attributed it to stress and went on with our lives.
And then, this past July, a friend of ours died from a heart attack while taking his dog for a walk. It shook our whole community to the core. He left behind a loving wife, two beautiful sons, ages 9 and 12, a large extended family that he was very close with, and many friends who will miss him dearly.
After we heard this terrible news, my husband immediately called the doctor.
Thankfully, he did. A week later, he was diagnosed with atrial flutter. His heart and brain were not always getting the blood they needed. If left untreated, he could develop congestive heart failure, heart attack or stroke.
He scheduled the recommended out-patient procedure right away.
Though incredibly scary for both of us, my husband's procedure went very well. He continues to need monitoring, but in effect, it saved his life, and for that, we are extremely grateful.
So this Valentine's Day, we will celebrate love. And,we will celebrate hearts - both the hearts that our kids draw on pieces of red construction paper, and the hearts that beat inside our bodies. Because we now know that taking care of your heart is the best Valentine present you can give."
For more information on heart health, please visit The American Heart Association.
*One lucky contestant will be chosen at random to receive a $75 gift card to winner's choice of restaurant, provided that the gift card is easy to purchase online. Giveaway is open through February 23rd, 2020 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member puzzlepopples.
Birthday, and Valentines day!!
I will be celebratimg love and life (my birthday) as well as working through the death of my mother as we always celebrated these special days together.
I am celebrating the love I share with my husband, Sheldon.
My Mom’s return to good health after a serious illness.
I am celebrating that my 3 children are happy and healthy, that my mom is now in a nursing home but we made the right choice putting her there, that I work with a great group of people and that my husband is a wonderful person who helps us all in so many ways,
I'm celebrating my relationship. My boyfriend has been out of the country for six months and is finally back home. It's been ages since I've seen him.
My son's 9th birthday!
I'm celebrating my husband and children this month. Family time is so important.
I will be celebrating with my husband our 24th wedding anniversary. Just a nice quiet night in.
I am celebrating me.
This February we are celebrating our insurance's approval of our daughter's first wheelchair ♡ Hopefully now that they have approved payment, it will only be a few months more until we get it (her fitting was in November 2019).
A new relationship!! Fingers crossed!
It will be Galentine's Day. I have not had a Valentine in over 18 years, so I just do Galentine's. I kind of hate it because Valentine's day has always been my favorite holiday of the year.
My fiance and I are spending the day with our 3 kids. We are baking and eating Mexican food ❤
This February I am celebrating moving houses!!! I am so excited for my family, this is our first home!!!