Technology is so vast, and so prominent in our daily lives. It’s how we connect, how we stay in touch, how we travel, how we experience the greater world, and more. I grew up in an interesting generation, where we had technology, but our parents limited our access and tried to keep us doing things off the computer. I saw my parents connect with their loved ones, friends, and colleges through the phone, email and text message. My mother and grandmother would call every single day, just to check in with one another. Despite having this access to be able to stay connected over far distances, the communications we would actually cherish and keep close to the heart are the ones handwritten.
Isn’t it interesting how when we look back at our best memories, it’s often not the phone calls or emails we remember, but the time we spent with people and the special things they made for us? I faced a tough moment during university when my grandmother passed away unexpectedly. It was hard for all of us, and we really leaned on each other for support and shared some wonderful stories. One common theme that came up was how my grandmother loved to create special gifts and cards for us.
A couple of years later, while my parents were moving, we stumbled upon a card and cake she’d made for my dad. She always signed her letters and cards with “Much Love, Nanny” (or Doreen, if you knew her that way). That little phrase was so special to her—it was something we could hold dear forever. While she may have said it or written it in texts and emails, seeing it in her handwriting was a beautiful reminder of her love for our family.
This made me realize how important it is to take the time to write cards or create something special for someone. I've made it my mission to bring back the joy of sending handwritten letters, cards, and notes. When I write, I put thought into making my messages meaningful and unique to the person receiving them. Not only does this make them feel special and valued, but it also shows how much we care.
Did you know that on February 26th, a wonderful campaign was started back in 2013 to encourage young people to write cards to the elderly? This initiative was launched
to help combat loneliness among older adults, who sometimes find it hard to socialize as much as they’d like. The campaign really gained momentum in 2020 during the pandemic when many people, especially older adults, faced isolation due to health risks. Jacob Cramer started the "Send a Letter to an Elder" movement after losing his grandfather during this time. He created a non-profit to gather, create, and send letters to the elderly in his community. Since it began in 2013, they’ve processed over 50,000 letters!
Molly’s Club regularly partners with Vista Heights P.S. to inspire the next generation to keep writing and sending letters to their loved ones, friends, and neighbors. We warmly encourage everyone to take a moment and write a letter this year for the campaign! Whether you choose to submit it through Jacob’s organization or simply drop a letter to a retirement home, local legion, long-term care facility, or even your library, your kind gesture can truly make someone’s day!
We invite you to participate in Send a Letter to an Elder Day in your community this year!
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