Valentine’s Day is a time to show appreciation and love for those we are closest to. No matter the type of connection, it is the perfect excuse to remind your loved ones how much you care. At Pacifica Senior Living we love celebrating love in all its forms.
From coast to coast our communities have been getting in the festive spirit with themed craft days, decorations, Valentine’s day parties, and so much more. For our residents and staff, Valentine’s Day is a time where we can bring our emotional side to the forefront.
We asked our residents and team members to share some of their own valentine’s stories, and what makes this day so special to them.
Pacifica Senior Living Spring Valley:
Some of the team and residents at Pacifica Senior Living Spring Valley: R.A. Clarissa, Miss Connie, Nursing Coordinator Priscila, Denise and Miss Eleonore, expressed their love for Valentine's Day by celebrating with family and friends.
They plan to share homemade Valentine’s Day cards with their favorite people, so they can spread love and joy to others. In the community there will be lots of treats - both sweet and savory - singing songs about love, and of course dancing all day long! 
One of the residents of Pacifica Senior Living Spring Valley, Jeannie, also shared her feelings on the holiday, and what love means to her.
What does love mean to you?
Love means moments with my daughter, and seeing people happy.
What advice would you give to younger generations about maintaining a healthy, lasting, and loving relationship?
Be kind, patient and think of others.
Meridian at Westwood 
John and Evelyn of the Meridian at Westwood have been married for over 64 years. They met when she was 13 years old and he was 15 years old near Erie, Pennsylvania. They are truly committed to each other, and say that being honest and open with each other has helped them develop a strong marriage.
They both love to travel and have lived in a number of different countries such as Iran and the Philippines. One of their favorite things to do is line dance. The pair plan to spend Valentine's Day at the community’s happy hour Valentine’s celebration eating chocolate covered strawberries and enjoying a glass of wine.
Alta Vista Senior Living
Kenneth, from Alta Vista Senior Living shared his thoughts on Valentine’s Day:
What does love mean to you?
Love is unconditional and about giving all of yourself to make sure that person is secure knowing you really care about them. I trust the Lord to give me guidance to love without consideration.
What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
My memory was when we went to pick up a baby Yellow Naped Amazon parrot to raise! It was so delicate and beautiful.
Are there any love stories or dates from your past that still bring a smile to your face?
There are many datesI remember with my family and that special lady that I love. We would go to dinner or leave on a vacation to Hawaii or a cruise.
How has your perspective on love changed over the years?
The change for me was to be more cautious and not to be so generous to forget my boundaries and limitations - I now take care to love myself.
What advice would you give to younger generations about maintaining a healthy, lasting, and loving relationship?
Take a look at other long lasting relationships and how they treated one another and be more open to listen to your partner's needs from you.
Can you tell us how love and companionship have helped you during a significant time in your life?My family and friends treated me with kindness and respect which taught me to know that I am loved. Their prayers gave me the strength to help me better my outlook on life and gave me my faith back.
Linda is another one of the residents at Alta Vista Senior Living.
She shared her thoughts and feelings about this special day full of love.
What does love mean to you?
Real love is from God. It is eternal, faithful and strong.
What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
My first kiss from my husband of 53 years was on our second date which was on Valentine’s Day!
Are there any stories of dates from your past that still bring a smile to your face?
One year I scratched out the words from a Valentine's heart and wrote in my own words for my husband. I put them in his lunch, but his co-worker found them and had quite a laugh.
Paul from Alta Vista Senior Living shared this:
What does love mean to you?
Love means giving and enjoying.
How are you celebrating Valentine’s day this year in your community?
Spending time with my favorite lady in pink that I just met. I will be writing her a message on the secret admirer tree that we have here in the community.
What advice would you give to younger generations about maintaining a healthy, lasting, and loving relationship?
Find a good partner and teach him or her well and look for each other for advice.
Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa
At Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa's Valentine's Day event, a Valentine King and Queen were crowned! Thomas and Dawn have been married for 65 years, and were the perfect pair to wear the crowns. 
What does love mean to you?
Trusting somebody
What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?
Receiving jewelry from my fiancé.
How are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year?
We had a party in our community (Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa) where we shared laughs and spent time with friends.
Are there any love stories from your past that still bring a smile to your face?
One year Tom got me a stuffed tiger.
How has your perspective on love changed over the years?
We work together for a common goal.
What advice would you give to younger generations about maintaining a healthy, lasting, and loving relationship?
Always be truthful and show support to one another.
Can you tell us how love and companionship have helped you during a significant time in your life?It's never good to feel alone. Knowing someone is there for you makes all the difference. The good times always outweigh the bad.
