It doesn’t take much, in fact it only takes a few minutes of your time.
There are words we don’t say enough, a message that we think about, but stays right there, only in our mind. But suppose you put those words down in writing and then hand it over to someone you love.
Since the beginning of the year, the year I am working on living my best year ever, I have tried this, almost without fail. Once a week, I take a blank card and write down a few words, meaningful ones, a short message and then I give one to each of my daughters and to my wife. The messages are not long, maybe three sentences, probably less than 50 words, but it’s a way to let them know I never forget how much they mean to my life, because I want my life to have meaning.
I don’t really ask them about the cards afterward. In fact, usually I leave it on a night table, on a pillow, or once in a while I send them in the mail, just to change things up a bit. Debbie always says “thank you”. From the girls… my teen and my “tween”, well most of the time there is acknowledgment. Sometimes a thank you, sometimes a hug, but it’s not about the receiving, it’s about the giving. Besides, I know for a fact, because I have seen them do it, my girls are saving most of the cards in a drawer, or in a box, somewhere hidden away. I know in some small way it makes a difference, if even as a simple reminder of the special connection we share. It’s the smallest things that can have the biggest impact.
My goal is to keep it up. I can’t believe anyone ever tires of being told they are loved, or appreciated, that you are proud of them because of their accomplishments, or that you simply want to remind them they are special in your life. And I know one day, when I see the light and am no longer of this earth, it won’t be forgotten. There will be a permanent reminder, of a one-of-a-kind connection, that of my family. The place where it begins and ends.
Words have power. So don’t just think it, ink it. It’s just a note, but if I’m right, it means much more.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark