I often think of the people who are alone and lonely, especially on a day like St. Valentine's Day. Many years ago, it was I who suffered the arrival of that day. My late husband's birthday was on February 14th. After he died, I hated the day that used to be so special for us. But I was grieving. My distaste for the holiday vanished as time went by.

I chose to remember happy memories. I remembered the fun and excitement my grade school classmates felt as we made paper hearts out of construction paper and glue, to be gifts for our parents and grandparents. Only the boldest of classmates would make a special valentine for someone in the class that they had a crush on! And, too, there were the memories of sweet Valentine Days as I grew into a woman and a wife.

Over the years I have come to learn what everyone knows - but may not have experienced on a personal level. And that is this: Life Is Not Fair. So, I dedicate this painting to the people who are not celebrating Valentine's Day this year because of a death, divorce, disappointment, injustice, or any other reason they may choose not to celebrate. I remember with compassion what it is like to be alone and angry at life's circumstances on Valentine's evening, because I once stood hurt and alone on a Valentine's evening with my fist raised - Shouting at the Dark.