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Please help me give my ohana a lovely holiday. It would mean the most to see smiles and tears on their faces as they enjoy dinner with me. The Valentines in my life are my mother and grandmother. On October 23, 1996 my mother’s life long partner in crime passed away to cancer a week after my brother’s 14th birthday. My father was only 47 years old when he passed away from stage 4 Lung cancer that had rapidly developed. He went through one treatment of Chemo and Radiation, when they realized it would harm him more then anything. Within 6 weeks of diagnoses from around Mid-August my father passed away. Every year I know how special Valentine’s Day is to everyone and the two most important influential people in my life happen to be my mother and grandmother. Since my father’s passing when I was 11 I’ve taken the time to make my mother and grandmother a four – six course meal and I’m about to be 25 years old. I don’t date, because Valentine’s Day they’re my dates. I set the table with flowers, candles, and then music and food. Life is hard with a widowed parent, a grandmother whose rapidly dying because these horrible illnesses are taking the once strong person I knew. I always start with appetizers, a salad, or soup of some kind depending on the weather, main course, side dishes and desserts. This year will be the 14th Valentine’s Day my mother hasn’t been able to spend with her husband. It is my goal on this holiday to try and fill a void she is filling, though I know I can’t do that. With your help I can give my mother a lavish Valentine’s Day dinner, one she and my grandmother whose 84 almost 85 years old. She was born on March 7, 1926. I don’t know how much longer she will be alive, but I do know this will one they remember because I was able to pay for it all myself. My grandmother has Dementia, Parkins Disease and Alzheimers and so life in my house is chaotic.. I’m trying my hardest to be able to put together a special holiday for the two people who I love the most in this world and with your help I can achieve my goals to be able to afford a nice meal for them. I understand that if my grandmother won’t remember it, it’s something my mother and I would remember for a life time. This would be one present I’d be able to give without having to ask for money this year. Please help me give the two most influential people in my life a special day of rest, relaxation, food, and love! ------------------------------------- Just a side note from this whole contest for everyone whose made a comment this goes out to you. Love from me, to you and your families. I wish everyone a happy and safe Valentines Day. Each story you ALL 1,739 comments that have been written touched me in many ways. I can see how special people are and what your ohana means to you. I wish you all a great holiday that you can bring more love into your families, and I can see how many people are loved all over the world. I hope you're able to spend it with family and friends, and don't forget the less fortunate, maybe go out and do something for someone else as well as someone you truly love. Happy Valentine's Day - Someone whose always single on Valentine's Day Mandie