This post was supposed to go up yesterday, but I was sicker than I ever have been in my life, thanks to (most likely) food poisoning (never going to eat blue cheese or at a restaurant again…ugh). I’m feeling bit better, so I didn’t want the chance to share this with you all to pass me by!
When I was 16 years old, my aunt wrote me a letter and told me that if I ever feel like giving up on myself, she’d give me 20 reasons why I shouldn’t.
A simple sentiment, but it went a long way in making me feel loved and supported. I extended that offer to my friends and family when I’ve sensed they were struggling.
The World Needs More Love Letters is a wonderful movement that showers individuals most in need of love with love letters. For 12 days in December, bloggers are sharing stories of folks who could use a little extra encouragement and love.
The woman I am sharing about with you today touches me as both a mother and a daughter. As I was reading the first paragraph, I teared up – as I am wont to do very often since becoming a mom. Here is Denise’s story, told by her daughter…
Denise
When I was younger my mom was there to hold my hand every time I got a shot. 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 in 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.
My mom is now legally separated 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. 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.
Want to write, but feel a little weird writing to someone you don’t know? Same here. But, I thought about how much I love getting letters and how much it would mean to me if someone did this for me, and I just picked up my pen and started writing. (After consulting this helpful post about the dos and don’ts or this one about tips)
(This wasn’t even staged. I actually was eating saltines and sipping Gatorade as I wrote. Hey. AT LEAST I’M NOT VOMITING!)
If you want to write Denise a letter (and I hope you will!) please send it within a week to:
More Love Letters — Denise’s Bundle
PO Box 2061
North Haven, CT 06473
During a time of year when we look for little ways to bring joy to others – take 20 minutes and send a little joy to Denise. And if you have kids, I think it’d be fun to encourage your kids to draw some cheerful pictures. (I let Gabe scribble on the back of my letter and told her it was a love letter from him.)
Thanks for reading about this special project. May your hearts be merry and bright. <3
My mother has been such a huge source of love and inspiration to me, I know that growing up when she went through tough times I always wanted to reach out to her in some way like this. I’m going to try really hard and write Denise a letter, because I can definitely relate to her daughter and everyone deserves to feel loved when they are in such a dark place.
Thanks for sharing Ashley. :)
PS feel better soon!!
That is so touching! Thanks for sharing! You are truly a sweet soul. I will definitely write her! What a great idea!
This is strange (strange? ironic? hard?) because although my mother is not going through a divorce and has not threatened suicide, this paints a very accurate picture of who she is today.
I have not been able to find the words to reach out to my own mother, but perhaps reaching out to someone else’s might help me find my way.
I went to the website and it looks like you also need to put “Denise’s Bundle” on the envelope! I am on this, great idea.
Yes, yes, thank you for being a part of this campaign with us, and I hope you’re feeling better soon!
What a beautiful idea. I cannot wait to send a letter to help brighten someones day! Thank you for sharing this.