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.
Since I'm single this year, I'll be celebrating with all my galentines.
This month I am celebrating my sons birthday and my mothers birthday!
I always celebrate Valentine's by decorating for it. Even my neighbors get to see the big lit up red heart in my window.
We celebrate our family! We usually do chocolate dipped strawberries and enjoy a meal altogether!
Celebrating nature and the beauty of it all
I am clebrating me and all the love I feel for myself.
I am celebrating being with my husband for 18 years!
Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, and my Birthday!!
Celebrating my 6 year anniversary!
Gratitude for friends and family.
We will be celebrating not only Valentine's day but my husband and son's birthdays!
We are celebrating your daughters birthday!
We're celebrating my husband's promotion at work! He's worked so hard for this!
I'm celebrating my son coming home from college for a long weekend!! Can't wait to see him!
Being single and loving it!