Among the most poignant, and certainly the most tragic, is the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s Valentine’s Day in 1884. Just twenty-five, he lost both his wife and mother on the same day, to unrelated causes. Both died young–his wife, Alice, was only twenty-two, and had just given birth to their daughter. His mother was forty-nine. With his mother gone, Roosevelt rushed back to Alice. Only hours later she, too, died. On February 14, 1884, Roosevelt etched a heavy black X in his diary and wrote “The light has gone out of my life.” He refused ever to mention Alice again. Roosevelt’s profound personal tragedy turned out to have national significance. Theodore Roosevelt's mother and first wife died just hours apart on February 14, 1884. Each loss was an unexpected shock. His 48-year-old mother, Martha "Mittie" Roosevelt, had been taken ill with The events of that day nearly destroyed Roosevelt. He marked his diary for February 14 with a large black X and the caption, “The light has gone out of my life.” 2 Roosevelt finished out his term in the New York Assembly before going to the North Dakota Bad Lands to collect himself as a rancher. His sister, Anna (“Bamie”) would take When Theodore Roosevelt was just 25 years old, a traumatic double tragedy struck his life, one from which he never fully recovered. It was February 14, 1884 – St. Valentine’s Day – and the fourth anniversary of Theodore’s engagement to his beloved wife, Alice. Roosevelt had been called by telegram back to New York City from [] While for many people, Valentine’s Day is the happiest day of their lives, for others Valentine’s Day brings sadness. To few has it brought more heartache than to Theodore Roosevelt, whose wife and mother died within hours of one another on February 14, 1884. It was February 14, 1884 – St. Valentine’s Day – and the fourth anniversary of Theodore’s engagement to his beloved wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. Roosevelt had been called by telegram back to New York City from Albany where he was a New York State Assemblyman. The concern was his mother’s fading health. But a double tragedy on Valentine’s Day in 1884 left Roosevelt shell-shocked. In a horrific twist of fate, Roosevelt’s first wife and mother both died on Feb. 14, 1884 — in the same house in How Theodore's Roosevelt's personal tragedies inspired him to reform America's cities. by Heather Cox Richardson via We're History on February 14, 2016 Theodore Roosevelt's diary entry from Valentine's Day 1884, after the deaths of his wife and mother. Valentine’s Days were unusually eventful for Theodore Roosevelt and family, as this date marked some of the happiest and darkest periods in their lives. On February 14 th of 1880, the 21-year-old future president publicly announced his engagement to Alice Hathaway Lee. The two previous years of dating sparked a short but intensely happy bond. Teddy Day 2025: The week of love has started already. Every year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with much pomp and grandeur. It is the best time to shower your beloved with lots of gifts Few gifts evoke the warmth and sentiment of Valentine’s Day quite like a Valentine’s teddy bear. Often clutching a heart or dressed in charming attire, teddy bears are more than just cuddly companions; they carry a rich history and have become enduring symbols of love and affection. Teddy Day 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, February 10th, just four days before Valentine’s Day. As the fourth day of Valentine’s Week, it’s the perfect occasion to express affection and care, whether it’s to your lover, a dear friend, or even yourself (because self-love deserves a teddy too!). The Meaning of Teddy Day Teddy Day is the fourth day of Valentine’s Week and holds a special place in the hearts of couples. Teddy Day in 2025 will be celebrated on February 10. The tradition of giving teddy bears dates back to 1902 when President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip Teddy Day, celebrated on February 10th during Valentine’s Week, is a heartwarming occasion to express love through the gift of teddy bears. It’s a special day to share affection and warmth with loved ones, whether a partner, friend, or someone special. Teddy Day, an important part of Valentine's Week, is celebrated every year on February 10. This day is a special occasion to express love and affection, in which people make their loved ones happy The history of Teddy Day dates back to the creation of the first ever teddy bear toy, inspired by U.S. President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt. During a hunting trip in 1902, Roosevelt refused to shoot a helpless bear, depicting an act of kindness, which led to the creation of the first teddy bear by a toy shop. Every year, Teddy Day is observed on February 10 as part of the Valentine’s Week festivities. In 2025, this lovable occasion falls on a Monday, making it the perfect way to start the week with a The first week of this month is celebrated as Valentine's Week. Teddy Day is celebrated on the fourth day of Valentine's Week. On this day, couples gift a teddy or any soft toy to their partner. The special days of love begin in the first week of February, where Valentine's Week lasts for 7 days. The story of the teddy bear traces back to the early 20th century, when Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the then President of the United States, was on a hunting trip.
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