This Mother’s Day, write a letter to a special woman in your life
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love? If your idea of a letter means a quick text or email, you are like most busy moms (and dads) in 2011. Most of us haven’t written—or received—a letter in several years.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to revive the lost art of letter writing. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings with your mom, grandma, friend or any other special woman in your life. You can even write a letter to yourself!
Why not simply tell the person how you feel about her? For one thing, many of us feel awkward having intimate conversations. We know what we want to say, but sometimes the words don’t come out right. Writing a letter gives us a chance to express what is in our hearts without the pressure of facing the person. We can revise our words until we feel they are just right.
Also, a letter is permanent, and the recipient can read it over and over. Details of a conversation may be forgotten over the years.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Handwritten is more personal. Sure, it’s faster to type out your thoughts, and it’s certainly easier to edit, but taking the time to handwrite a letter will make the recipient feel honored. However, if your handwriting resembles a doctor’s, you may feel better typing the letter; it’s your words that truly matter!
- Write from the heart. If she were to write a letter to her mom, Melissa Craker of Raymore says, “I would tell her I had no idea how much she loved me until I became a mom.” That’s the kind of a thing a mom wants to hear. Keep it real and honest.
- Compliment her. Tell her all your favorite things about her. Perhaps she’s a great listener or you can count on her for a good laugh. Everyone loves compliments, and she might be surprised to know all the little things you love about her.
- Mother knows best. Brian Phillips of Butler, MO, shares what he would write in a letter: "All those times you said to me, 'Mothers know everything'.....you were right, Mom.” Tell her you appreciate all the times she was right.
- Tell her she’s a model. Let her know how you try to emulate her in raising your own kids. Raymore resident Bonnie Lesmeister says she would write, “Mom, you set the bar of motherhood so darn high. I sure hope I am doing it right.”
- Tell her thanks. For her sacrifices, love, friendship, support.
- Sleep on it. After you write the letter, come back to it later with a fresh mind. You can always change something, but don’t obsess over little details.
So dig out those pens and stationery and get busy! Now is the “write” time to share your feelings with someone you love.
Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton.