Two years ago I could not have imagined being alone. I grew up in my parent’s household. I went to school, became an adult. I dated and while still living at my parent’s home, I met a young lady and we had a child, all while living at home. We eventually parted and I soon after entered into a 7 plus year relationship with who was to become my daughter’s mother. We did move out on our own and lived a few of those 7 years together before we decided to dissolve our relationship.

A few short weeks after our split I met the woman who became my 1st and only wife and a 13-year relationship ensued. I had never been alone and I had never experienced the pain and loneliness or the discomfort of not having anyone to talk to or to touch, to kiss or make love to. I had watched my father suffer in this discomfort and pain after my mom died. They were married for 31 years before she suddenly died leaving him alone to live in the home that the 3 of us had lived in so long. I saw him cry uncontrollably and there was nothing that I could do to help him. I felt sorry for him but I really did not know what he was experiencing. His pain was so great that he; a healthy man died 3 years later.

I was my parent’s only child. I had my daughter’s mom to comfort me and give me the emotional support needed to carry on. I have lost both of my parents now but I was not alone. I had 2 uncles that had lived a colorful and vibrant lives and both ended up alone and passing away from a lonely life. I was happy that I had a life long partner and would not suffer the same demise, so I thought.

I write this brief but true story because Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and I am alone, sad but still vibrant. During this time of year, we need to look within our hearts and pay a visit to our lonely relatives, friends and neighbors. It could make a world of difference in their lives. There are many ways to show love, many ways to show that we care. It just may add another year to someone’s life.

My wife and I relocated 2700 miles from where we both grew up and there isn’t any family to visit me nor do I have any friends that care. My wife didn’t die, she decided one day 17 months ago to just up and leave without any warning while I was at work. I will be alone this Valentine’s Day. I don’t write this for anyone to feel sorry for me because even though I am lonely, I am high in spirits and vitality. I am not depressed. I write this for all those lonely men and women that need your presence so that they may live another year and feel the love that once graced their hearts. I myself will grace some lonely soul with my presence with the attempt to give some love to them that I so desire.

So my friends here on Just Say Hi, please remember those that are unfortunate to not have someone to love and bestow them with a few minutes of your time. You will be blessed because you have made a pleasant difference in someone’s life. Have a great day and thanks for reading. Grover

I try to do that everyday Its a shame to me that I dont live closer to some of these lovley women on JSH