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.
I'm celebrating with my chorus with a dinner and concert on Valentine's Day.
Thanks for the contest.
We are celebrating our family this February!
We are celebrating our first Valentine's Day being engaged :)
Celebrate a new job 😄
Celebratig every moment.
Celebrating true friendship and self love!
My longlasting love with my husband and my son's 15th birthday! [GULP]
February and Valentine's Day for me and my boyfriend has been tough the past 5 years due to him being a Sous Chef and always having to cook and cater on major events and holidays. This was the first year he was actually off on Valentine's Day and we celebrated by spending time with our children and he made us chocolate covered strawberries, which are my absolute favorite! Since we didn't get to go on a traditional date alone, and with his birthday coming up Feb 21st it would be an amazing surprise for him to take him out to lunch for his favorite meal at Moe's Reataurant and pub!
Just the love between me and my son!
Celebrating my family
Celebrating family and friends!
So many things, being together after so many years and all the kids! My sisters birthday. The same sister found out she is having twins this week, she was always told she would never concieve, it's a Valentine's Miracle or Birthday Gift of a Lifetime! Family, friends, health, stability.... so many things to celebrate this month, I should just have a full on bash on leap day!
I get to celebrate with both my guys, my 6 year old son and my boyfriend!
We celebrated closing the gap after so many hard years of long distance relationship. We finally got married on December of 2019, after having met in 2010 in an online game.
February is a very dear month for me. It contains Valentine's Day, my birthday on the day before Valentine's Day, and my Dad's birthday on the day after Valentine's Day!