Do You Know The Power Of A Personal Note?

I love to send handwritten letters and notes to people. During the pandemic, many people have felt depressed and lonely. What a great time to receive physical mail from a friend who cares. A recent article in the AARP Bulletin stated, “A text, an email, even a phone call may be better than nothing—but nothing counts quite like cursive.”
 
When our oldest son, Kevin, was in grade school, he usually toted his lunch which I prepared each morning. One day I got the idea of writing a note on his paper napkin that I always included. He loved it. Every day I would write a sentence or two and sometimes a silly poem or a joke. He told me that after a week or so, he became the subject of interest at lunch each day. His friends would grab for the napkin to see what was on it. One day I penned, “Roses are red, violets are blue. I love you, Kevi-poo!” I was taking the risk of his being ridiculed but, instead, he laughed and said his friends all loved my messages. (Just for the record, I still call him Kevi-poo once in a while and he is 50 years old now.)
 
Now, Caleb, Kevin’s oldest son (25) has been living with us for a few months while he settles into work and getting to know the area. He works late at the hospital in Sarasota and if we go to bed before he gets home at night, I always leave a little note on an erasable ceramic pad, so he knows I have been thinking about him and hope he had a great day. Caleb says he really appreciates those notes.
 
I often get beautiful hand-painted cards in the mail from Barbara Johnson. She is not only a gifted artist but also very dear to remember me and connect in such a tangible way. No way can I throw out her cards. They are too beautiful, in picture and in sentiment.

Our Sanctuary Sessions art group in TN has taken on the mission of helping bring a bright spot into the lives of people they know might be lonely or having health issues or grief. Betsy Copley designed a beautiful logo around the name, Sanctuary Angel Artists. When one of the group knows of someone in need of cheering up, she will send a hand-made card with a handwritten message of encouragement. No signature…just from the artists. Such a great project!
 
Another dear friend, Drew Allen, from Texas, is part of a group who sends out postcards with a pretty watercolor picture and the logo, Stamps Bring Joy. They focus on sending these cards with handwritten notes to elderly people who are lonely.

According to an AARP article I read, Americans sent a record number of cards last year. The greeting card industry had been struggling due to the digital revolution, and saw a sizable turnaround, especially over the holidays. Going to the mailbox and pulling out an envelope with a personal message inside brings a smile to the recipient. It can even feel like a warm hug, knowing someone cares. Maybe it’s time to spread love and good wishes through the US Postal Service again. It’s certainly high on my list of ways to nurture relationships and give support.