Holidays can be a hard time for those experiences the loss of a loved one and a spouse experiencing their first Valentine’s without their love can be lonely.

So the staff at Whitaker Funeral Home is offering a luncheon for those who have lost a spouse during the previous year.

As a way to honor those we miss, and join together with others in friendship, the Whitaker Funeral Home is pleased to invite members of the community who have lost their spouses to their fifth An nual Valentine’s Day Brunch to be held on Monday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Dufford Alumni House on the campus of Newberry College.

Those wanting to come to the lunch must RSVP by Friday.

The program will include a luncheon buffet with dessert, beverage and fellowship.

The lunch will allow those attending a time to remember their love in a relaxed way.

“The day says you’re special,” says Whitaker Funeral Director, Erin Whitaker said, “It is so important to remember that we deserve to be loved and pampered and that we must begin with treating ourselves as special. It is with that in mind that we hold our Annual Valentine’s Day Brunch. We invite all those in the community who lost a spouse in 2010 to join us in honoring that love and in recognition of this holiday that celebrates all love.”

Whitaker says the lunch is open to anyone who has lost a spouse in the last year, not just families served by her funeral home.

She adds that with the loss of a spouse so many people are at a loss and empty about how to celebrate the holiday.

The author Zora Neale Hurston said, “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” Erin remarked, “We hope that by attending our Valentine’s Day Brunch, those who grieve will find solace and comfort.”

The brunch is free of charge, but reservations are necessary.

To register, call Whitaker at 276-5000.

The Dufford Alumni House is located at 1900 College Street, two blocks up from Whitaker Funeral Home.