Tell the People You Love What They Mean To You
Offering: Write letters (by hand or email) to your loved ones, friends, children, parents and anyone that matters to you—telling them what they mean to you and how special they are in your eyes.
Tell them all the things you adore about them, the quirks and funny things, the things you admire, the things you wish they knew about themselves. Remind them of times when they shined bright, saved the day and moments they showed up that were nothing short of heroic.
Some of these letters can be sent, and because of the circumstances maybe some can't. I think the expression itself is beautiful and sharing it is another gift to both parties.
I get that we avoid praise so no one gets bigheaded or arrogant, but believe me, in reality most people have gone so far in the opposite direction that they actually need to hear this from you.
They are probably riddled with self-doubt, hyper aware of their limitations and are reliving a constant feed of criticism. Don't wait until they're gone to write about the best of them in their absence.
The people who love us and we love have the unique privilege of seeing us up close and getting to experience us in ways we might not even realize about ourselves. Our loved ones are the keepers of memories and shared moments we've long forgotten.
Write those letters. Fill them to the brim with all the warmth and goodness you can put into words.
Speak love and life into your people and send it to them. They will have something to go back to on hard days, after our own presence, I can't think of a better gift than that.
Sincerely,
Sumayah