On our way to a birthday party to which we both had been invited. The Pope’s Peace Prayer adds, “where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity.” In this instance, we were both included as guests.
Many times in grade school, party invitations were handed out in class. There were none of the more modern rules about including everyone if invitations were to be distributed at school. It was very disheartening to be left out of the party. On Valentine’s Day, each student had a little decorated box on their desk. Pupils put valentine cards into boxes of their choice. At the end, we would all count how many we had received. It was very sad to be the recipient of few cards compared to other kids.
It is no less painful to be ignored as an adult. Who is being overlooked by others? How might hospitality be extended so that more people feel welcome? Who is saying “include me” today?
Saved By Words 
“I’m sitting here weeping after reading “Include Me” at 60. I was that girl left out, am to this day.
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This one hit home, made me weep I’m 60 now and I’m the one left out to this day. Tissue please.
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I was the kid with the fewest Valentines. May you find people to include you.
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It’s hard to choose who to invite when the number is limited. Most of the time, I am not invited mainly because I tend t to turn it down. Not a social butterfly. At work, we recently had a voluntary secret Valentine in our department. Everyone is welcome to join. The person that joined, his/her name will be put in a box, then we pick a name. It’s just like secret Santa. At least everybody was given a chance but this does not happen in the outside world.
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I like the way your office does it. I can understand that we need to limit some events, but it is kinder not to do it in front of those left out.
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I think we are better about this in schools and workplaces now, Elizabeth. I must say, however, that Valentine’s day at school is still horrible and they should ban it.
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I agree completely. I don’t think I ever recovered from the experience.
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