Valentine's Day and Life

It's Valentine's Day, it should be a happy, love-filled day with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate (I would choose dark chocolate).  Got valentine's sent off to my Mom, sisters, kids, etc.  But mostly I'm thinking about one person in my life who is worn out, tired, beat down.  Life throws most people curve balls, I know.  That is the way life is.  I believe this person will get better, and I cannot say enough good things about the truly kind people who are helping.  For myself, some comfort comes from my painting...thinking about what I want to paint, what I'm working on now, the colors and textures and motion of putting the paint on the surface to create something new.  Somehow, watching a loved one suffering makes me think that I will be pushed further, to discover a better, more creative way to paint, maybe even a way that will touch others and help them face their difficulties.  I want my paintings to do some good...to help others...to make a difference.