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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2024 49 Life After Loss The month of February for most people brings to mind the celebration of Valentine's Day. According to legend, the holiday stems from the death of two different men named "Valentine" by the hand of the Roman Emperor in the third century. Though legend varies as to the exact rationale for this punishment, origins nevertheless surround the notion of love. Over time, Feb. 14 has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love across many regions of the world. For all individuals who have experienced the loss of relationship, holidays such as Valentine's Day, often regarded as a "couples day," can conjure up memories too difficult to face because it emphasizes togetherness, love and romance. Additionally, the level of difficulty experienced can also depend on how you used to celebrate. Despite the difficulties, there are a few things an individual can do to prepare for Valentine's Day. First, you can remind yourself that you can and will get through this holiday. To avoid and/or try to deny the reality of the coming calendar will usually only increase emotional pain. Second, allow yourself to feel whatever emotions may come your way. Perhaps you have wonderful memories of "days gone by" in previous celebrations. Maybe you will be sad and grieve the loss of what you had with your significant other. The point is to give yourself permission to experience your feelings. This is often the gateway to healing. Not forgetting … but healing. And finally accept the truth of your feelings and celebrate in a way that brings meaning. Did you have any special or meaningful traditions during Valentine's Day? Maybe you want to continue with them — try some modifications to them — or even start doing something completely different. Maybe you'd like to give a donation or gift in memory of your loved one. Perhaps you have some friends you'd like to let know how much you appreciate them. Any way you choose to celebrate is fine. Going forward, celebrations such as Valentine's Day will be different but they can be enjoyed. The Life after Loss Group exists to assist individuals talk through some of these feelings and to share with others who have also experienced something similar. You are always welcome. We meet the first and third Mondays of each month from 1 to 3 pm in Room 3 of the RCN. For more information, please contact Byron Thomsen (909) 936-7097 or email byron.thomsen@yahoo.com. All information is kept confidential. ~ Byron omsen FS Veterans Park Our meeting on Feb. 22 at 10 am in The Lodge Game Room will focus on the memorial in the park. Veterans and their supporters are encouraged to attend. ~ Len Tavernetti, ltavernetti@hotmail.com Feb. 4 is the official birthday of the organization known as United Service Organizations or USO. e USO has been a fixture in military life for more than seven decades. Founded in 1941, the agency is a private, not-for-profit organization working in cooperation with the Department of Defense.