Everything’s coming up roses—not just a song performed by Ethel Merman and many others, but for some, a great Valentine’s Day ditty. For me, though, February 14 is just another day. In Damn Yankees, “You Gotta Have Heart” wasn’t aimed at the lovelorn but meant to bring luck to an underdog baseball team. Hearts and music go together like peanut butter and jelly, mashed potatoes and gravy, or macaroni and cheese.
Enough about food. Throughout movies and television, we’ve seen many star-crossed lovers. Take a classic book turned into multiple films: William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, or its modern adaptation, West Side Story, with Tony and Maria. Both stories have unforgettable love songs—A Time for Us in Romeo and Juliet and Somewhere in West Side Story—each speaking of love in another time and place. Love, sweet love, is not just for today; we are meant to love each and every day.
Love is a deep affection and care for another person, arising out of kinship, companionship, or admiration. Affection is tenderness, attachment is devotion, and concern is a benevolent wish for someone’s well-being. Attraction is a strong desire, while commitment is the conscious choice to nurture a connection.
In 1989, the small independent film True Love hit theaters, while Cole Porter’s song True Love—originally sung by Bing Crosby—was revived in different renditions, even earning Pink a Grammy nomination in 2013. The phrase love, sweet love resonates differently for each person. Perhaps it’s a reminder to seize opportunities for love, as second chances are never guaranteed. True love goes beyond surface-level emotions—it’s about respect, trust, and growing together through understanding.
Most people experience one great true love. For me, that was Maureen, my significant other from 2003 until 2015. My nickname for her was Sweetie, my Love, Sweet Love. On June 12, 2015, I lost her. Maybe I’ll find true love again—maybe not. The future remains unknown.
But I choose to move forward. Each day, I focus on the present, taking life one step at a time. Alcoholics Anonymous offers many affirmations, including “I will be a better me.” Defining what that means for ourselves—and not letting anything or anyone stop us—is key. My daily goal used to be five new experiences, but that proved unrealistic. Instead, I now aim for one new thing each day, no matter how small. The U.S. Army’s slogan, “Be all you can be,” rings true. Understanding our limitations and striving within them is just as valuable as ambition itself.
The phrase Love, Sweet Love was finally recorded as a song title in 2021 by My Mix, though its sentiment has appeared in lyrics for decades. In 1965, Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote What the World Needs Now Is Love, using the phrase six times—making it a lasting anthem. In these uncertain times, could we not use a little more love? Perhaps Love, Sweet Love is idealistic, but to me, it’s simply wonderful.
Love is not to be taken lightly. C.S. Lewis wrote, “To love at all is to be vulnerable,” while John Lennon observed, “Everything is clearer when you’re in love.” Love alters our thoughts and emotions, sometimes subtly, sometimes profoundly.
Still, not everything is about love—it’s about taking each day as it comes. Living in the present keeps me grounded. Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking and Huey Lewis & the News’ song The Power of Love both reinforce that idea: positivity carries us through tough times. As the lyrics go, “Love is all around,” reminding us of its ever-present force.
Love, at its best, fosters deep connections, offers support, and enhances well-being. When it’s good, it brings happiness, fulfillment, and companionship.
Once again, this February, I remember what Maureen always said: “Valentine’s Day is just like any other day—you’re supposed to love each other every day.”
So, will love find me again? Perhaps. When I’m ready, if it’s meant to be. It happened once, after all. For now, loving myself and sharing kindness with others is enough. Or is it?
Maureen, my Sweetie, I love you, I miss you, and even after all these years, I still wish you were here. 💘
See you in the Newsletter and NewsBlogs.
Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.
