Valentine’s Memories in Alzheimer’s World

Valentine’s Day was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so.  She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students.  Even though she was no longer taught after we four children were born (school districts were very reluctant to hire married teachers, particularly ones with children, in those days), she introduced us to many of the activities she’d enjoyed with her students.  She also cooked special foods for Valentine’s Day, midst her busy day of mom and farm wife duties.

• Mother decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts.  When we were old enough, sister and I did this.
• She helped us children decorate a mail box for our cards.
• We had a family fun time making and addressing valentines for family members.  When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
• Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine’s Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert.  There was only our family…four children, Mother, Father and the hired man…but we had a joyous time.
• We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.

Throughout her adult life, Mother sent her children and grandchildren valentines.  Even after she began to develop Alzheimer’s and still realized it was Valentine’s Day, she’d ask me to buy valentines she could send.

So this day brings back memories from various eras of my life connected with Mother.

What do you do for Valentine’s Day at your house?

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