Valentine’s Day is a day of love, a day to show that special someone how much they mean to you. In the past, this day may have been a day to have a fancy dinner out, breakfast in bed, give and/or receive flowers or celebrate in some other special way. Showing our continued love and adoration for our loved one is no small task when the “new normal” has changed how things used to be enjoyed before we were involved in a motor vehicle crash.
Some survivors may be on medication or spending valentines in the hospital while others may not be mobile enough to leave the house and your budget may be drastically affected due to unexpected financial strains. Valentine’s Day on a budget is possible and from one survivor to another, here are some practical ideas to celebrate this Valentines.
- Write a love note. Think back to when you first fell in love with your valentine. Try to recall your time together before your crash changed everything and write down your feelings in a Valentine’s Day love note. It doesn’t have to be fancy. The words are what matters. If you are unable to do this yourself, ask a family member or caregiver for help.
- Enjoy breakfast in bed. If your loved one is not feeling well, they likely won’t be able to enjoy a big breakfast in bed. But that shouldn’t stop you from surprising them on Valentine’s Day with a tray in bed. You can include some fresh fruit and maybe a glass of orange juice. Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy as it’s the thought that counts.
- Pick up a stuffed animal. If you are able, the next time you are out of the house, stop by a retail store and pick up a stuffed animal for your valentine. It’s a small gesture, but it can be a very special gift. Think about writing a note to include with the stuffed animal as well.
- Watch a movie together. Whether it’s a romantic chick flick for her, or his favorite action movie or even a Netflix marathon, it can really help both of you relax and it will take your mind off of everything. You do not have to go somewhere to celebrate.
- Ask a family member or a friend to watch your kids for a few hours even if you are just staying home. Treat yourselves to some quiet time alone.
- Go social electronic-free. Turn off your phones and laptops. Vow to spend the entire evening living in the present.
- Give the gift of journaling. You can find a simple journal at many retail stories or dollar stores. With this gift, you are giving your loved one much more than a book of empty pages. You are giving them the opportunity to channel their emotions and obstacles during their recovery and they will thank you.
- Agree to celebrate on February 15th. Not only will you find the candy and flowers at a discount, but it will be less busy at a restaurant if your valentine feels up to going out.
- Before you begin your evening celebrations, make an agreement with your valentine not to talk about “the crash ” or the struggles. Try your best to have a really good evening and focus on each other.
- If your Valentine is a crash survivor, sign them up to receive our quarterly newsletter that has been created for motor vehicle crash survivors. Our newsletters are full of informative articles that will support their recovery. It’s free! Sign up here: Sharing Our Recovery.
- If you are single and recovering from a crash, why not celebrate you and that amazing ability you have to love. Invite your friends over to celebrate Valentine’s Day or join the Crash Support Network Group and share your love with over 1000 survivors that are supporting each other every day.
- Give the gift of love this Valentine’s Day by purchasing “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery which is available for purchase on amazon.
Whatever you decide to do to celebrate, remember you are not alone and you have a lot to be grateful for. You are a survivor and celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget is possible. Happy Valentine’s Day!
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
