Uh … yesterday was my brother’s birthday. I sent a text and felt a bit guilty it wasn’t more. But it’s also my daughter-in-law’s birthday and she got a real present .., from Amazon but she got it on time and it made her day a bit brighter. Seriously, I have GOT to learn to reduce my dependence on comfort and convenience! It won’t last forever. But I’m grateful to have these gifts now.
I did recently send a card to one of my Mother’s best friends that moved away (PA) to be closer to her son. She is in her late 80’s and her vision
was worsening. Up until this year she lived for many years on her own though. I admired that about her! Her daughter lived fairly close by. My card was just to say I hope she was adjusting to her new assisted living home. She has a great great new grandchild living close by so that must be very special to her!
When my daughter was in various addiction treatment centers I sent cards of encouragement, thinking of you all the time. When I was with her during her surgery I re-organized her belongings and found many of them : )
Well I just wrote a handwritten birthday card to my brother yesterday. Other than that, I am thinking I might like to send more holiday cards this year than I have in recent years. I kind of dialed back on holiday cards once I got involved on social media, because it seemed like I was in touch with people all year anyways so what was the point of sending holiday cards? But recently I have been cutting back on the time I spend on social media, and often only see posts from a small group of people. I think I would like to make a point of sending holiday cards, including to some relatives on my husband’s side of the family who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum from myself. A way of continuing the love and connection despite political differences.
Elizabeth, I found your comment thought provoking re your husband’s side of the family being on the opposite side of the political spectrum than you are. My husband and I are on different sides– at times that is a challenge…but I married him because I love him I think that is what we need to all remember …no matter what we think politically it is a good and kind service to include all in our love. Thank you for reminding me of this!
I love writing letters, and I have one really good penpal that I correspond with currently. I really want an international penpal to exchange letters and learn from each other. It would be a lot f fun
I can think of three people that I would like to send a hand written card to.
I think for today I will focus on my sister.
In my family of origin there were three girls.
I am the oldest.
My 2 sisters were one year younger and 6 years younger than me.
My youngest sister unexpectedly passed away two years ago this February.
I had not spoken to her in over a year when she passed.
Addiction and emotional problems weighed heavily on her.
I still have not found peace over losing her.
My sister who is a year younger than me has a severe emotional disorder.
She mostly sleeps and smokes cigarettes, eats a little, and watches a little tv.
She used to let me take her out to lunch and then to the store to pick up a few things for her.
But as of about a year ago, she just tells me she doesn’t feel good and maybe I can see her another day.
But that never happens.
Growing up we were very close, and I was always protective of her.
In a card or letter I would tell her how much I love her.
and remind her of some we had good times we had over the years.
I would send her a few framed pictures of she and I together, probably as little girls.
I would just remind her that even when we aren’t together, I think of her a lot
and that she is always close to my heart.
I think I would also like to start sending her a card weekly, just to say I love you.
Sending peace and love to all on this lovely Wednesday morning. ♥️
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your youngest sister and the distance with the other sister, Mary! I think it was a sister who had asked you to take her to the hospital about a week ago? That sounds like a lovely idea to send her a card telling her how much you love her and sending some pictures! Sending you a big virtual hug.
Thank you so much Elizabeth. It’s been difficult.
I appreciate the encouragement to write to my sister and send pictures.
Time goes by, but I remember how easy it was to be close when we were children.
I miss that.
But I can take steps to be closer to my living sister now.
The time is now.
Sending a big virtual hug back to you, Elizabeth.
My English began to improve through adult education programs. I’m thankful for the free programs like ESL classes and citizenship classes that provide a good start for immigrants in this country.
I remember 2 boys I taught who were from Vietnam.
This was many years ago,
but I remember them as two of the sweetest children I have ever taught.
I am so glad you are in the US, Ngoc.
I know the US is a better place, for having you in it.
Many blessings.
Such a good reminder of the value of handwritten communication. A close family member has been diagnosed with cancer. I can send them and their partner each a card expressing my love. Not more than that–reassurance or optimism wouldn’t land right for them at this point. Just saying I’m here and love them is enough.
For many years I wrote “letters to the future” for each of my daughters. I’d describe things that were going on in their lives (that I knew of). There was no particular rhythm–I didn’t always write one on a birthday, for example. Often they came about because I had a business trip and had time to write on the plane. My thinking was that it was snapshots of “whatever” that would give them a walk down memory lane. I shared this practice with my older brother who has since died and he said how much he would have loved to have those from our dad, suggesting that he would have liked to know what it was like for my dad to be a particular age when he was approaching that same stage in life. I started adding in a bit about how old I was and what was going on for me, how I viewed life. My plan is to give these to them at some point in the future. It’s been a long time since I wrote one of those and I’ve been meaning to pick up the habit again. I hauled a notepad all the way to Switzerland and back but read on the plane and didn’t write. This is a prompt to commit to this and to schedule it at regular intervals so I don’t let so much time pass between letters.
That’s turned into emailing these days. We’ve forgotten what it felt like to put in extra effort with the paper, pencil, going to the post office, and waiting for those letters to go through from loved ones.
I love writing handwritten notes. Just yesterday
I penned a note of thanks for a gift recently received.
In addition, I sent a couple of texts this morning which included expressions of gratitude…to the recipients & to God.
I am grateful forvl today’s question & the refection it prompted. Through them, I am aware
of growth in my own innate sense of gratitude which I have long been praying would happen. Reading others’ daily reflections has reinforced this growing habit. Namaste to each of you here ..and to the caretakers of this site.
For many years I sent a greeting to folks who were remembering the first anniversary death of a loved one. I got several positive responses for that gesture. During covid I wrote a letter of support for the medical staff in nursing homes. I just randomly choose one.
Texting and e-cards have become more of a norm for me now.
I can think if several friends who would enjoy getting snail mail but will send a Thinking of You card to a dear friend in Louisiana who I have not been able to contact by phone. I am concerned about her.
Myself. I’ve never tried doing that before. I tend to be pretty hard on myself in general and it’s a daily struggle to manage the negative thoughts that inevitably pop up during the day. The letter would remind me of all my positive qualities and what I have to offer to this world. It would encourage me to continue building a peaceful inner life so that I can show up as my best self to others.
Oh so many people. Historically, I am a weekly note writer to someone. I love finding exactly the right funny card to send to someone. Last week I wrote to my Aunt Margaret. It was her 98th birthday. I looked up “current events” from 1926. Who knew she and Marilyn Monroe were born the same year and gas was $.26 p/gallon?
My sisters left last evening after a couple days together. I think I will write each of them a note thanking them for making the time, and also something I learned from them while we were together. Peace.
Besides the fact that my handwriting is atrocious, I’m not sure it would be any more meaningful than saying what I want to say in person.
I do enjoy the handwritten thank you note, but I would still rather hear that persons voice and talk to them. I think I’m learning that what I have to say isn’t that important. I need to listen more and let my actions do the talking.
I have several people in mind that I want to write to. But a part of me is hesitant to do so, likely because a lot of emotions will come up and I don’t have the strength right now to feel them fully.
I have several letters to write that I need to do now! I always have another task to do that I think takes priority. It was my cousin’s Birthday the other day. I think she was 75. She lost her husband earlier this year and I should have remembered her big day. We have not sent cards to one another in the past…but yesterday she said to me “You forgot my Birthday”…she lives in California and I in W.V. and we have not seen one another in years. So today I will sit and write her a “Thinking of You’ card and i have Thank You’s to write to a few others… One to a rescue squad in Michigan that came and were so kind to me when I passed out in a restaurant!! I was brought to the hospital and was found to be OK. But these folks at the rescue squad were very kind and comforting. My niece is always so good about dropping a real letter in the mail quite often….something for me to act upon! Once more a thought provoking question…Thank you all of you at Grateful Living.
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Uh … yesterday was my brother’s birthday. I sent a text and felt a bit guilty it wasn’t more. But it’s also my daughter-in-law’s birthday and she got a real present .., from Amazon but she got it on time and it made her day a bit brighter. Seriously, I have GOT to learn to reduce my dependence on comfort and convenience! It won’t last forever. But I’m grateful to have these gifts now.
I did recently send a card to one of my Mother’s best friends that moved away (PA) to be closer to her son. She is in her late 80’s and her vision
was worsening. Up until this year she lived for many years on her own though. I admired that about her! Her daughter lived fairly close by. My card was just to say I hope she was adjusting to her new assisted living home. She has a great great new grandchild living close by so that must be very special to her!
When my daughter was in various addiction treatment centers I sent cards of encouragement, thinking of you all the time. When I was with her during her surgery I re-organized her belongings and found many of them : )
Well I just wrote a handwritten birthday card to my brother yesterday. Other than that, I am thinking I might like to send more holiday cards this year than I have in recent years. I kind of dialed back on holiday cards once I got involved on social media, because it seemed like I was in touch with people all year anyways so what was the point of sending holiday cards? But recently I have been cutting back on the time I spend on social media, and often only see posts from a small group of people. I think I would like to make a point of sending holiday cards, including to some relatives on my husband’s side of the family who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum from myself. A way of continuing the love and connection despite political differences.
Elizabeth, I found your comment thought provoking re your husband’s side of the family being on the opposite side of the political spectrum than you are. My husband and I are on different sides– at times that is a challenge…but I married him because I love him I think that is what we need to all remember …no matter what we think politically it is a good and kind service to include all in our love. Thank you for reminding me of this!
I love writing letters, and I have one really good penpal that I correspond with currently. I really want an international penpal to exchange letters and learn from each other. It would be a lot f fun
I can think of three people that I would like to send a hand written card to.
I think for today I will focus on my sister.
In my family of origin there were three girls.
I am the oldest.
My 2 sisters were one year younger and 6 years younger than me.
My youngest sister unexpectedly passed away two years ago this February.
I had not spoken to her in over a year when she passed.
Addiction and emotional problems weighed heavily on her.
I still have not found peace over losing her.
My sister who is a year younger than me has a severe emotional disorder.
She mostly sleeps and smokes cigarettes, eats a little, and watches a little tv.
She used to let me take her out to lunch and then to the store to pick up a few things for her.
But as of about a year ago, she just tells me she doesn’t feel good and maybe I can see her another day.
But that never happens.
Growing up we were very close, and I was always protective of her.
In a card or letter I would tell her how much I love her.
and remind her of some we had good times we had over the years.
I would send her a few framed pictures of she and I together, probably as little girls.
I would just remind her that even when we aren’t together, I think of her a lot
and that she is always close to my heart.
I think I would also like to start sending her a card weekly, just to say I love you.
Sending peace and love to all on this lovely Wednesday morning. ♥️
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your youngest sister and the distance with the other sister, Mary! I think it was a sister who had asked you to take her to the hospital about a week ago? That sounds like a lovely idea to send her a card telling her how much you love her and sending some pictures! Sending you a big virtual hug.
Thank you so much Elizabeth. It’s been difficult.
I appreciate the encouragement to write to my sister and send pictures.
Time goes by, but I remember how easy it was to be close when we were children.
I miss that.
But I can take steps to be closer to my living sister now.
The time is now.
Sending a big virtual hug back to you, Elizabeth.
My English began to improve through adult education programs. I’m thankful for the free programs like ESL classes and citizenship classes that provide a good start for immigrants in this country.
I remember 2 boys I taught who were from Vietnam.
This was many years ago,
but I remember them as two of the sweetest children I have ever taught.
I am so glad you are in the US, Ngoc.
I know the US is a better place, for having you in it.
Many blessings.
My Ngoc, that environment is very laid back. Those were good times.
Such a good reminder of the value of handwritten communication. A close family member has been diagnosed with cancer. I can send them and their partner each a card expressing my love. Not more than that–reassurance or optimism wouldn’t land right for them at this point. Just saying I’m here and love them is enough.
For many years I wrote “letters to the future” for each of my daughters. I’d describe things that were going on in their lives (that I knew of). There was no particular rhythm–I didn’t always write one on a birthday, for example. Often they came about because I had a business trip and had time to write on the plane. My thinking was that it was snapshots of “whatever” that would give them a walk down memory lane. I shared this practice with my older brother who has since died and he said how much he would have loved to have those from our dad, suggesting that he would have liked to know what it was like for my dad to be a particular age when he was approaching that same stage in life. I started adding in a bit about how old I was and what was going on for me, how I viewed life. My plan is to give these to them at some point in the future. It’s been a long time since I wrote one of those and I’ve been meaning to pick up the habit again. I hauled a notepad all the way to Switzerland and back but read on the plane and didn’t write. This is a prompt to commit to this and to schedule it at regular intervals so I don’t let so much time pass between letters.
I love that idea of future letters to your children!
What a beautiful practice this is, Barb.
And what a delightful and precious gift these will be for your daughters!
That’s turned into emailing these days. We’ve forgotten what it felt like to put in extra effort with the paper, pencil, going to the post office, and waiting for those letters to go through from loved ones.
I love writing handwritten notes. Just yesterday
I penned a note of thanks for a gift recently received.
In addition, I sent a couple of texts this morning which included expressions of gratitude…to the recipients & to God.
I am grateful forvl today’s question & the refection it prompted. Through them, I am aware
of growth in my own innate sense of gratitude which I have long been praying would happen. Reading others’ daily reflections has reinforced this growing habit. Namaste to each of you here ..and to the caretakers of this site.
Thank you, dear Josie.
For many years I sent a greeting to folks who were remembering the first anniversary death of a loved one. I got several positive responses for that gesture. During covid I wrote a letter of support for the medical staff in nursing homes. I just randomly choose one.
Texting and e-cards have become more of a norm for me now.
Thank you, staff, for this question.
So thoughtful, Yram!
I do the same on death anniversaries, Yram.
Same
I can think if several friends who would enjoy getting snail mail but will send a Thinking of You card to a dear friend in Louisiana who I have not been able to contact by phone. I am concerned about her.
Myself. I’ve never tried doing that before. I tend to be pretty hard on myself in general and it’s a daily struggle to manage the negative thoughts that inevitably pop up during the day. The letter would remind me of all my positive qualities and what I have to offer to this world. It would encourage me to continue building a peaceful inner life so that I can show up as my best self to others.
That’s a great self affirming idea, Lauryn.
I may do this for myself!
And I wish you the best in your journey to self love and greater peace in life!
At times when I really felt down I sent myself an e-card from this site.
It was refreshing!
Another great idea, thanks, Yram!
What a great idea, Yram. Might try it myself.
Oh so many people. Historically, I am a weekly note writer to someone. I love finding exactly the right funny card to send to someone. Last week I wrote to my Aunt Margaret. It was her 98th birthday. I looked up “current events” from 1926. Who knew she and Marilyn Monroe were born the same year and gas was $.26 p/gallon?
My sisters left last evening after a couple days together. I think I will write each of them a note thanking them for making the time, and also something I learned from them while we were together. Peace.
Mary, I love that you write a weekly note to someone! That’s inspiring.
Thank you Drea. I think it is as much fun for me as the recipient as thinking about their surprise when they receive it makes me smile.
I hope you had a glorious time together!
Thanks Yram. Indeed we did’
Besides the fact that my handwriting is atrocious, I’m not sure it would be any more meaningful than saying what I want to say in person.
I do enjoy the handwritten thank you note, but I would still rather hear that persons voice and talk to them. I think I’m learning that what I have to say isn’t that important. I need to listen more and let my actions do the talking.
I have several people in mind that I want to write to. But a part of me is hesitant to do so, likely because a lot of emotions will come up and I don’t have the strength right now to feel them fully.
I am with you, Jenifer, in taking care of yourself first. ♥️
I have several letters to write that I need to do now! I always have another task to do that I think takes priority. It was my cousin’s Birthday the other day. I think she was 75. She lost her husband earlier this year and I should have remembered her big day. We have not sent cards to one another in the past…but yesterday she said to me “You forgot my Birthday”…she lives in California and I in W.V. and we have not seen one another in years. So today I will sit and write her a “Thinking of You’ card and i have Thank You’s to write to a few others… One to a rescue squad in Michigan that came and were so kind to me when I passed out in a restaurant!! I was brought to the hospital and was found to be OK. But these folks at the rescue squad were very kind and comforting. My niece is always so good about dropping a real letter in the mail quite often….something for me to act upon! Once more a thought provoking question…Thank you all of you at Grateful Living.