Valentine's Day is an exciting holiday to celebrate for many people. It is a time when people demonstrate their love and kindness to those that are closest to them.

All ages celebrate the special occasion. I remember at a young age writing my name on Valentine's Day cards and handing them out to my classmates at school. I also remember receiving some in return. Now the cards have grown over time to include a gift for those I honor.

Valentine's Day is not anxiously anticipated by everyone. Holidays can be a very tough time for some people due to the hardships and loses they have gone through. Valentine's Day is a reminder of the loved ones they have lost at some point in their life. It might also be a reminder that they do not have many friendships. The holiday might bring out a feeling of loneliness rather than the feeling of being loved.

In 2003, the United States Census Bureau reported the following statistics:

• There are 14 million people widowed.
• There are 21.6 million people divorced.
• There are over 12 million single parent families.

These are a few categories of people that might be experiencing a sense of loss. This loss is amplified during the holidays, especially Valentine's Day. Many of them have been loved in a significant way in the past by someone that is no longer with them.

This Valentine's Day, make a difference in someone else's life that needs it most. Identify someone that is waiting for you to provide a friendly reminder on Valentine's Day that he or she is special and loved. Your reminder could be in the form of actively talking, offering a Valentine's Day card, presenting a gift, or maybe there is a need that special person has you could help meet.

If you are someone that has a hard time during the holidays, don't wait for someone to come to you. Take it upon yourself to do something for someone else in your same situation. Not only will you be helping the other person during a trying time, but you will be less lonely as well.

I have found that when I do something for others, I feel much better as well. It doesn't matter how much time or energy you have to give. The important thing is that you do something to let another person know you care.

There is someone waiting for you to help this Valentine's Day. Do that person and yourself a favor and make this a better Valentine's Day for both of you. Be that special person's Valentine this year.