Love: on Valentine's Day

When I was growing up, Valentine's Day wasn't just about significant others (because you know, I was all cool and had a preschool boyfriend who I'm friends with on Facebook thankyouverymuch) - my parents and family really treated it as a special day for you and everyone you loved - including family and friends.  Marek and I don't do much to celebrate Valentine's day (going to dinner tomorrow, and I received my surprise early present last week!), so I'm going to talk about something a little different today.

Today I could wax poetical about love and romance and all that stuff, but instead I'm going to tell you about something called The Overnight.

The Overnight is a night-long walk, from dusk until dawn, and is held to raise awareness of suicide (and raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), an issue that is extremely close to my heart and so important to me.

It was held in Boston last year, and will be in New York City this year.  I really wanted to participate last year, but I was scared off by the strict fundraising rules, and I am not comfortable hitting people up for money, even if it is for a good cause.  I was excited to see that it was in NYC this year, and that I'd have another opportunity to participate, but I unfortunately already have plans this year on that date.

However, I would ask you to consider checking out their website and making a donation to a walker, volunteering, or helping spread the word.

Too often, suicide and many of the mental illnesses that often accompany it fall victim to a society that treats it as something to be embarrassed or ashamed of, and that is a shame.  People grappling with those disorders most commonly associated with suicide and with thoughts of suicide themselves need support and love more than anything else.

I came across this quote once:

Nobody really knows how much anyone else is hurting.  We could be standing next to someone who is completely broken and we'd never know it.

For people who are struggling and seriously contemplating suicide, especially those who are struggling silently, letting them know that you are thinking of them, that you love them, and they are important to you can go a long way.

Maybe you have people in your life like this - maybe you know it, maybe you don't - or maybe you don't.  But I think it would be great if we make Valentine's Day about letting people know we love them - and not just about romance.  It could do a lot of good, in more ways than one.

Links:
The Overnight
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention