200+ Love Letters for Ricky
Sometimes, we all need the words of someone who cares to act as our lifeboat. This holiday season, you gave Ricky the encouragement that he needs to carry him through the new year.
Ricky’s mom, Allison, shared that her son has been fighting anxiety and depression for the past ten years. Life hasn’t been easy for Ricky, but he’s kept putting one foot in front of the other. Despite his struggles, he has always been a dedicated worker, advancing through his career with high speed. At the beginning of the pandemic, he lost his full-time job and proceeded to step into multiple part-time jobs. Currently, he is self-employed as a personal trainer, a driver for DoorDash, and a developer of a role-playing game that he is preparing to market. Ricky’s mom wrote that her son has managed to stay afloat through all that life has thrown his way “through sheer willpower.”
In May of 2022, Ricky took the step of beginning mental health therapy, and has been able to since develop tools to help him manage his anxiety and depression. In the years before therapy, he struggled to see a future at all. Now, he is living with and supporting the love of his life, and has realized that he can have a bright future, too.
He has been accepted into a ten-month coding certification program, and for the first time is able to see the good ahead. Despite his newfound hope, however, Ricky is carrying a tremendous amount of anxiety as he awaits word on his financial aid prospects for his program.
As a part of the 12 Days of Love Letters, we shared Ricky’s story with you, asking you to encourage him as he works hard to create a life in which he is flourishing."
You didn’t hesitate - and Allison was quick to share what a “fantastic experience” this journey has been for their family.
“I can’t tell you how much joy it brought me to read the beautiful encouragement complete strangers wrote to my son,” she wrote. “Ricky came over this weekend knowing only that I had “something” for him. When I explained the premise of MLL, showed him the nomination I submitted, and then presented him with the 237 letters received. He was overwhelmed (in a good way).
The beautiful and uplifting words of encouragement he has been receiving fill me with such gratitude. I am also filled with love to see such an outpouring of kindness.”
In her email, Ricky’s mom shared that Ricky plans to read one letter a day - a process that will take him approximately ten months. What a gift you have given him - words of encouragement to carry him through nearly the entirety of 2023.
Allison said it best: “Thank you for More Love Letters. The world really does need them.”