I believe in the power of the written word. I value it above most other things in my life—words and the way in which they’re written have always been a huge part of who I am, and I’ve always known how powerful they can be. Especially in their written, readable, tangible, eternal form—on paper and with pen.
December is a time of year when you’re constantly being asked to give to charity, and of course we’re all feeling more generous around now, anyway. But unfortunately, most of us don’t have a lot of funds to spare. (*RAISES HAND*) Yep, hello law school AKA a seriously fixed income!
So when I was introduced to a campaign and website called the The World Needs More Love Letters and was asked to participate in the “12 days of love letter writing,” I recognized it for what it is: an INCREDIBLE way to do something that MATTERS this holiday season, for only the cost of a piece of stationary and a stamp.
I was assigned Day 10 of the 12 days of love letter writing—each of which is dedicated to gathering “love letters” for one particular person in need of encouragement this holiday season. I hope you will take the time to join me today! Each of the 12 recipients will be mailed a bundle of letters, and how incredible would it be if a letter from YOU was among them too? So simple, and so impactful your words could be.
Day 10’s person in need is named Denise and described here, in a letter from her daughter:
“When I was younger my mom was there to hold my hand every time I got a shot and she was the face on the sidelines of all my games cheering me on as I dribbled the soccer ball to the goal. As I grew up she was my source of guidance as I was choosing colleges and the voice of reason when I wanted to break down and quit. Without having to look back I knew she was always right behind me should I trip and would be there to pick me up and push me forward. I have leveled on my own two feet due to her guidance and love and now she has come to me for help.
Recently my mom divorced from her second husband and lost her job. She lives across the country in California with no family by her side and she has lost her way to a long bout of depression. Last month she tried to commit suicide and I was the last text she sent with a cry for help. I contacted the police and she was resuscitated and I flew out there on the earliest flight to be with her but ever since that time I haven’t seen the light in her eyes that I grew up knowing.
I heard of this idea that a love letter could be sent to her and I thought this would be something that would really show her that despite the darkness she sees there is so much love in the world and if she reaches out there are many hands willing to help. I want her to smile again, not the superficial smile to show people that she is trying to get a long, but the one deep from within where she truly feels warm and content. I just want my mom to be happy and I believe this is something that can bring some hope to her situation."
Please write her a note of encouragement on your nicest stationary and mail it here within a week:
More Love Letters
Denise’s bundle
PO Box 2061,
North Haven, CT 06473
We were asked to document the letter writing process, so here are a few shots from this morning:
You guys, feel free to write your own blog post about this today or just write a letter to Denise and send it in within a week of today. It doesn’t have to be long—just a note of encouragement and support. If you choose to write a letter, I’d love it if you let me know in a comment!
For more info, visit the More Love Letters website and the blog or send me an email!
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