Brighten someone’s life today

Not too long ago, I met a thoughtful soul. She sat at her desk once a week and asked herself, “Who could use a note this week?” And then she wrote one. Sounds simple enough but when was the last time you wrote a note? Better yet, when was the last time you received one?

Years back, I stayed with my mom for a week while she recuperated. Mail delivery was one of the highlights of the day. I’d sift through and pull out the notes and cards and then read them out loud. That time of day made us both feel nurtured and less isolated.

It’s easy enough to pick up notes and cards and you may even have postcards left from your travels. How wonderful would it be if we all thought of one person that could use a lift this week and wrote them a message? You don’t need to vacillate on the content or length, just the thought is important. Your message can be as simple as “Thinking of you today and sending sunshine your way.” And that’s exactly the intention.

Robbie Miller Kaplan is the author of How to Say It When You Don't Know What to Say, a guide to help readers communicate effectively when those they care about experience loss. Now available in three individual volumes: "Illness & Death," "Suicide" and "Miscarriage." Three additional titles are available as e-books: "Death of a Child," "Death of a Stillborn and Newborn Baby" and "Pet Loss." Click here to order.