Those two words – “love mom” – are responsible for starting my tradition of sending post cards when far away from home. It began in earnest when my twins were small and continues to this day.
Perfect recollections seem to ease as time passes, but I recall reading a little note years ago on the back of an old postcard from a mother to her boys. It would have been 70 plus years ago when she and grandpa went away on a trip. It wouldn’t have been to an exotic destination; something makes me think it was Niagara Falls or some place within a few hours’ drive.
Back in the 50s though, that would have been quite an outing, certainly for farm folk who would have presumably saved forever for just a night or two away. Depression era people always watched a dollar closely so one can only imagine the debate around the expense of the card and postage. That would have been a discretionary purchase, but it was clearly a priority for her – Mom missing boys, boys probably missing mom, and that need to connect and remind them they were being thought about.
Knowing someone cares is so important, regardless of age or status.
The twins, and now my two younger kids, have postcards from around the world, most notes to the effect of hoping we can see this place together sometime. All cards, however, finished off “Love dad.”
As kids age, the novelty of such a declaration grows old, but in time those shots of famous landmarks and greetings from afar will confirm there was never a moment or a distance travelled where they weren’t top of mind.
Knowing others care or even have an interest in our well-being can often be the difference between happiness and despair. If this period of time has taught Canadians anything, it is the importance of feeling connected with others.
That frame of reference could well be why the Messages4Hope postcard campaign caught our eye this week.
It is not a secret that these past few months have laid patience bare. Anxieties appear to be on the surface with many people. It has become a time of judgment and short fuses. The stress levels are through the roof in many circles, whether related to work, finances or relationships.
People desperately need a pause and the Messages4Hope postcard is that opportunity.
Within the pages of the Advertiser this week are further details on the program and actual postcards for residents to use. Take a moment to reflect on something good you know about someone else and share that card. The local working group of this program hope to see 10,000 messages shared. Let’s go for more.
Spread some kindness and cheer. You will not regret a moment spent – and guaranteed, it will make a positive difference in someone else’s day and perhaps life.
Remembrance Day reminder
Owing to the current protocols in place for public gatherings, most Legions have adapted their programs to commemorate Remembrance Day.
An article explaining these changes can be found here.
In anticipation of our coverage leading up to the week of Nov. 11, we would like to speak with residents who have story ideas related to men or women who have served our country.
