My Time 4 Talk by Madona Cole-Lacy

For some of us, another Valentine’s Day arrives without the physical presence of the partners with whom we placed the mantra “love is as love does” into daily motion. This day can engender memories, gratitude, and longing all at once! It is in moments like this that many of us lean more intentionally on the power of love and spirituality as our primary source of solace. The compassionate gestures from friends and relatives who deem us worthy are never taken for granted either.

In my case, I thank Jesus for being “the center of our joy” for a love experience that has now taken a different form. I speak of one that recalls cherished moments and reconnects through pictures, videos, and audio clips. The physical presence may be absent, but the relational impact remains intact!

Those of us who were blessed to give and receive exceptional love understand that death is not synonymous with silence. It is not about how soon we stop mentioning or celebrating our loved ones that determines whether we have “gotten over” grief so that we can now be embraced by society. The grief journey is far more complicated than that. Genuine love, though, once experienced, is really easy to navigate and reciprocate.

Love that is healthy in nature does not dissolve on command, particularly when viewed from the positive perspective of “old habits die hard.” My take on that is that old habits of healthy love never die. The qualities we shared, cultivated, and strengthened together do not vanish with the passing of our soulmates. They become part of who we are. They are the foundation we built that continues to support how we love others. This includes our children, family members, friends, and even ourselves. One of life’s perpetual lessons this affirms is a reminder that our investment in meaningful relationships with our partners knows no bounds!

On this Valentine’s Day, I extend heartfelt acknowledgment to everyone who continues to honor a sacred bond of love in the absence of their partner. Contrary to popular belief, it is not always a case of the inability to “move on.”

I conclude by inviting everyone who reads this post to please prioritize the following while you still have the opportunity: cultivate healthy love intentionally. Express it freely. Protect it fiercely. Build it spiritually. and navigate it respectfully.

Sharing one reason why my Valentine will always be relevant: for not even the side effects of chemotherapy could prevent him from creatively expressing his love for his wife.

* Sharing one reason why my Valentine will always be relevant For not even the side effects of chemotherapy could prevent him from creatively expressing his love for his wife.