There is nothing quite like a handwritten letter. I love to get them, as I am sure most of us do. There is something so intimate and tender about this almost obsolete gesture. Many years ago I began putting handwritten notes in my children’s lunches. I would write something like “I hope you have a nice day. Enjoy your lunch. I love you so much, and I can’t wait to see you after school. Love, Mom.” This was a part of my daily routine. I know that my kids loved it. If I ever forgot they would mention it to me and I knew that it was important to them.
As the kids got a little older and went away to sleep away camp, I would tuck away a handwritten letter in their suitcase, so that when they unpacked, they could feel me. I would also write letters in advance of them leaving so that some love would be waiting. Kids love those kinds of sentiments. They are nurturing and provide comfort that is totally different from an email or text. I have continued with these handwritten notes when I travel, leaving my family little notes to find when I am gone. Seeing your loved one’s handwriting, especially when it is a sentiment of love, is more valuable and meaningful then we can imagine. The connection is that much more potent.
A cute and easy idea that I still do is I leave posted notes on their mirrors. When they wake up in the morning or when they come home from school I have posted notes that have uplifting or positive sayings:
Your every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.
A problem is a chance for you to do your best.
Life is too short to see yourself as anything but… Beautiful.
There are hidden blessings in every struggle.
Even if I get an eye roll, I know that they feel that I love them, which is all that I ever want them to feel.
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