Snail mail challenge . . . join in!

[Bucky]

Hi everyone!

For all of our recent "newbies" . . . in years past, I have conducted various "challenges" for our members.  Just fun things for all of us (who want to) to participate in and report back on what we did or accomplished, or didn't do, etc.

Here are two examples of our past "challenges":  https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=13278.0,  https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=11830.0

Today, I have a new challenge.

Remember snail mail?  You know, where you actually put a STAMP on a card or envelope and mailed it?  It takes a few DAYS to get to it's destination, unlike via cyberspace, where it arrives in nano-seconds.

For those of you who have been around the forum for a while - you will know that I am sentimental about cards/letters.  I keep 'em all!!     I have boxes full of them - my oldest dating back to 1957.  Nothing brings me more comfort, pleasure and smiles than sitting down, pulling out these cards and letters and re-reading them.  Many of these cards and letters are from friends and relatives who have since passed away.  How I treasure the notes they sent me.

Just this week, I received an unexpected card and letter from a dear friend that I have known since 1964.  Frank is my father's age (80's), and I attended church with him and his family as a little girl into adulthood.  Frank always had a firm handshake and big smile for me whenever I saw him.  I don't get to see Frank often any more, as I live in another state.  I was recently "home", and even though I visited that church where I grew up, and Frank was there that day, I didn't have the opportunity to give him a hug and say hello as he was busy with some people and I didn't want to interrupt him. 

So, he sent me a card "just to say hello" and a nice HANDWRITTEN note on both sides of the paper.  He apologized for not speaking to me when I was home and wrote, "I have nothing but positive memories of your kindness shown to Deloris and me.  It makes me sad that I didn't talk to you", and then he went on to rave about my Dad.     I was surprised and my heart warmed to receive this card/letter from Frank.  I've always admired Frank and thought the world of he and his wife.  (at least I DID get to hug his wife while there . .  ).

Anyhow . . . the challenge is this:  within the next * 14 days, I would like you to send a card and/or letter to someone who has blessed you in your life.  Send this card/letter snail mail - NOT via cyberspace.  Just taking the time to sit down, address the envelope and write some sentiments down will not only bless your life, but the person you are sending it too.  The person who receives this from you will stop what they are doing, sit down, open up the card/letter and remember you and the times you shared together.     It will warm their heart. 

You will never know how many times in days, months or years down the road this person will pull out that card/letter and re-read it . . . over, and over, and over. 

Don't put this challenge off . . . do it today . . . you will feel blessed for remembering someone else who has been a blessing in your life.   

Then, come back here . . . and tell us about it.  Who knows, you might rekindle a lost friendship, get an invitation to lunch or dinner to catch up on old times, or just make a friends day a little brighter.  We can all use that!

This challenge begins RIGHT NOW!!  Don't forget a STAMP on that card/letter.   

Bucky

* I modified the challenge from 7 days to 14 days!!     It's never too late to do a challenge.   

[Pisces24]

Though I am not a big letter writer, I use the snail mail quite a bit.

I write to cousins, friends, etc. and even still pay all my bills through the mail. Guess I am just "old fashioned".

[sktaylor]

I send letters by snail mail quite often. My daughters live in other states and they enjoy a nice letter every now and again. I also send out letters to church friends or work friends when I know they are having difficult times. I enjoy receiving mail as much as the next person. I realize with our busy lifestyles and needing things 'yesterday' we get caught up in the fast and easy way. But it is very nice to open my mailbox and receive something other than a bill or junk mail.

[Duchess]

Very good idea.

I have started with my Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law. I will continue to send letters/cards to different people.


Duchess

[Meld256]

Yes, good idea, Bucky. 

I have an older uncle I need to write.  I had a dear cousin who was so good about sending the aunts and uncles a card or short note.  They so appreciated it!

Guess I'll mention children, too. So cool for them to get something in the mail just for them. 

[Katybarstool]

I'm i BUcky. I'm a card person too. I will let you know when I've sent my card.

Kathyx

[ashewoman]

Well shoot... it's been more than 7 days but I'm gonna do it anyway Bucky!  That's a great idea.  I used to send my daughter post cards because you can't even find "old fashioned" stationary much anymore for snail mail letters.  She thought it was very uncool of me though.  Maybe I'll send one to someone who may appreciate the effort more.  GG

[Bucky]

No worries GG . . . I went in and modified my post today to change the challenge from 7 days to 14 days!!   

I'm sure anyone who is the lucky recipient of this snail mail challenge will appreciate the thoughts sent to them. 

Bucky

[Gayle]

I do this all the time. I send post cards or cards to my sister, step mom, friends and even my Dr...

[Katybarstool]

Hiya Buckey

I'm pleased to report that I send card to two Aunties today!

Thanks for setting us this challenge.

Kathyx

[lighthouse33]

Bucky,

I sent out 37 Greeting Cards yesterday with 37 Newsletters enclosed in them.

Here is the scoop ? Mom and Dad marked their 50th Wedding Anniversary last Friday.  I contacted people they had known along the years and asked them if they would like to participate in giving mom and dad a surprise gift ? a gift of Anniversary Cards.  Thirty-seven people replied. 

Their cards were beautiful ? embossed, handmade, glittery, sparkles, ribbons etc.  And, many took the time to write personal messages. 

So, when it came time to writing the thank you notes, which I have been taught to do since I was a youngster, I decided that these people had put a lot of work into sending their cards, that I should give them a treat by making the Thank You cards on my computer with their names included on the inside message, on the front of the card is a 1962 Wedding Photo of mom and dad which is also on the back of the card and on the front of the envelope. 

It was fun to do.

[Cricket]

Way to go lighthouse!!

[Bucky]

Duchess - even the "in-laws" appreciate getting notes from other "in-laws".     I'm sure both ladies appreciated receiving your cards.

Kathyx - I'm sure your Aunts will appreciate the cards you sent!  Good job!

Lighthouse33 - what a lovely thought to make personalized thank you's for each person that sent an anniversary card to your parents.  It will mean a lot to the people receiving them.

sktaylor - I have lived out-of-state from my family for over 20 years and really cherish the letters & cards I have received through the years from my mom and sister (they have both since passed).  There's something "different" about getting a written note from Mom, versus talking to them on the phone or seeing them in person.  A written note/card can be kept and looked at over and over and over (which I have done!). 

I sent a two page letter and card to one of my sisters long time friends.  I told her how my sister cherished their friendship and thanked her for all she had done for my sister and mom through the years when they both were sick.  I had lost contact with Debbie through the years and when I was home visiting earlier this month, I was out driving to my nieces house and passed Debbie's house.  I took a chance and stopped in to see if she was home, just to say a quick "hi".  She was home and we had a short half hour visit.  It was nice to see her again.

I have a few more people that I'd like to send notes and cards to - that I will have to make time to do within this next week.

Everyone, keep up the good work!   
Bucky

[Bucky]

Hi - today in the mail, I got a letter from Debbie - the friend of my sisters that I had sent a card and letter to recently.  She wrote, "Wow, what a letter, it was the nicest one I have ever received."  It made my desert dry eyes moisten up some. 

I am soooo glad I took the time to send Debbie that card and letter as it has now re-opened the door to a friendship with Debbie.  Her and I share so many memories together of my sister - things we all did together that no one else did or would understand if we talked about it.  Debbie "gets" it.   

It also opened the door for Debbie to tell me about some struggles in her life she is facing.  She writes, "I'm so glad you're back in my life, it couldn't have come at a better time." 

I never expected a reply back from Debbie.  I just wanted to thank her for her friendship to my sister and our family all these years (45+).  Debbie's letter will go into my box along with all the rest that I will keep forever.  I was double blessed.   

If you haven't yet gotten around to sending your card or letter off, don't put it off.  I am so glad I did.  I never did get some others sent that I wanted to - so, I will work on them this weekend and get them in Mondays mail. 

Bucky