Valentine’s Day conjures up images of a romantic night filled with a special dinner for two, cool drinks, and thoughtful gifts. When my wife Lisa was recovering from chemotherapy, her idea of a romantic night was putting on her favorite pajamas, her soft sleep cap and snuggling in bed. If she felt particularly loving, she might even let me have the remote! 

Even though our day-to-day life was focused on her treatment and recovery, I didn’t want to let the holidays and special occasions slip by without a celebration. Valentine’s Day has always been one of our favorites. It’s the perfect  time to kick things up a notch and bring on the romance. Here are some of my tips for celebrating your sweetheart. Feel free to steal these or better yet come up with your very own.

Valentine’s Day–Brian Style  

• Dinner for Two

Prepare a simple meal that takes into consideration your Valentine’s food preferences. Chemotherapy can affect taste buds, swallowing and digestion. Presentation and atmosphere are all important! Think fine china, soft music, non-fragrant candles…Romance.

Need a little dining inspiration? The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen cookbook by Rebecca Katz is filled with nourishing and “big-flavor” recipes for cancer treatment and recovery.

• Create a Signature Mocktail in Honor of Her  (Non-alcoholic of course)

Mocktails (cocktails without liquor) have become all the rage and are perfect for special alcohol-free occasions. Mix-up a refreshing mocktail in honor of your special valentine. One drink I knew that Lisa would enjoy was a virgin mojito. The recipe called for lime juice, club soda, fresh mint and a dash of simple syrup. It took five minutes to make. I garnished it with fresh mint and served it over crushed ice in a fancy cocktail glass. For other delicious recipes, try the Amazon book, Mocktail Party.

• Gifts

Put some thought into gifts she will use now and really like. One of Lisa’s favorites was a cozy fleece wrap that she wore at home and to chemo. Other gifts that she really liked included… a fashionable scarf,  a soft throw blanket for her treatment nap, and two stylish chemo beanies.

When the clock strikes midnight and Valentine’s Day has come and gone, Lisa (and I ) would agree, the best gift of all is spending time together, letting romance in and shutting cancer out.

Happy Valentine’s Day!