Widows are a precious part of any community. Regardless of the length of time since their loss, holidays can be a difficult time. This is especially true with a romantic holiday like Valentine’s Day. Do you know any widows in your life? This February, show them how much you care. Here are six ways that you can brighten a dear woman’s Valentine’s Day.

1. Make the Call

It’s easy to feel isolated, especially when someone is dealing with feelings of sadness and loss. The simple act of picking up the phone and calling them is a powerful defense against loneliness. You don’t even need to mention Valentine’s Day—you can simply ask how they’re doing, what they’ve been up to, or what they have coming up in the weeks or months ahead. Even if you just take the time to leave a voicemail saying you care and look forward to speaking with them, it could brighten her day. So pick up that phone and make it happen.

2. Send a Card or Letter

A thoughtful email is a great way to reach out to a friend or family member. But, if you want to go the extra mile, take the time to mail or drop off an actual card or letter. In the current climate of disposable communication, taking the time to put pen to paper is a rare treat. She’ll know that it took time and consideration, which shows how much you value her. Don’t worry if you have messy handwriting; just take it slow, and don’t fret over small mistakes. The important thing is that she knows you care, and that will be plain to see.

3. Give a Thoughtful Gift

A Valentine’s tradition is the giving of gifts. You don’t need to worry about being romantic, but who doesn’t like receiving a gift? You can pick them up some beautiful flowers or tasty chocolate, or pick up that book you’ve been meaning to recommend. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. The most important thing is that it shows you care. And while physical gifts are a wonderful treat, the rest of this list contains gifts of a different sort.

4. Offer Your Handyman Skills (Or the Use of Your Handyman!)

We all have tasks around the house that we haven’t gotten to yet, and a widow is no different. You don’t have to be a professional handyman to help her out. You can just show up with the tools and supplies you might need, or you could ask her ahead of time if there’s anything specific she’d like you to handle. Every time they open the cabinet you helped mend or picture you hung, they’ll think of you.

5. Help with Children

The loss of a husband is always difficult, but there’s an added difficulty when a woman is raising children on her own. No matter how much she loves her kids, there are times she needs a break. Offer to take them off her hands for an afternoon or evening, and you’ll make her day. You can always take them to an age-appropriate movie, a park, or a museum to spend a few hours. Don’t let a lack of ideas for activities stand in your way—she’ll probably have some suggestions. If her babies are of the furry variety, make it know that you’d be happy to check in on her pets if she goes out of town.

6. Spend Time Together 

Your presence is often the best gift you have to offer. You can meet for lunch on February 14, or you can rearrange your own Valentine’s Plans to spend the evening with a dear friend. See a fun movie, go shopping, have a tasty meal, or just enjoy one another’s company. It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re with someone you care about.

The fact you’re taking the time to read this list shows that you have a kind heart. Widows are special, and that’s why there’s a biblical command to care for them. Being there for one another is friendship at its best, so thank you for loving the widows in your life. If you know a widow in the Lubbock area, let them know about the Lake Ridge Ladies, a ministry of Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers. It’s a wonderful, supportive group of women who are always welcoming. Learn more about the Lake Ridge Ladies at our website.