Melissa’s Bundle Update
“There is something uniquely powerful in receiving words of love and encouragement, and simply holding space for you from people you don't know. This is not to say that love from loved ones doesn't matter - it does, but it is sometimes easier to let go and let the love in, when it comes from people who aren't directly involved in your life. It helps to provide a reminder that grief is universal, that love is universal, that empathy is universal and that none of us are alone,” writes Melissa’s friend Caitlin.
Caitlin nominated her dear friend Melissa for a Love Letter Bundle this past May. Earlier in the year, Melissa had moved across the country to Chicago for a new job after spending the past decade in Los Angeles. One major factor in saying yes to such a big decision was the appeal of being closer to family. Then in March, Melissa lost her father to his extended battle with cancer. He had survived well past his initial prognoses, but his passing was very sudden. Like so many, due to the pandemic, Melissa had only recently been able to visit her parents in person in Michigan.
“She has been a volunteer for various crisis hotlines, worked for advocacy groups to empower women and other minority groups,” wrote Caitlin. “She is the "steady" one for all those around her, and the person who shows up to your bedside at the hospital, your sofa after a hard day, and your off- off-off broadway play on a rainy night when the trains are running late. She is a rock for so many and deserves the kind of support she gives others…She is integrity personified and a clutch friend. She is exactly the kind of person who would not ask for this sort of love to show up in her life, but would be greatly moved by it. Caught in the undertow of grief, this could really be a life line for her.”
This community SHOWED UP - and it meant the world.
Melissa’s husband Joel wrote to us, saying, “Cannot tell you how incredibly helpful this has been for Melissa. The Letters have been rolling in and have all been so incredibly lovely. I think Mel’s overall favorites have been from the wonderful younger folks (high school and younger) that have really lifted her up and made her smile. All of the letters have been incredibly supportive in her grieving process. We both can't thank you enough for this truly remarkable gift. Thanks endlessly to you all!”
Caitlin wrote to us as well after Melissa received her bundle, speaking to the power of support in grief through an empathetic community.
“I cannot thank you enough for the love your letter and letter writers provided my dear friend in her time of need.
I will forever be grateful to each and every person who reached out. I will forever be grateful to the good works your organization provides…Melissa has made it clear how deeply helpful the letters have been and I am forever grateful to you for helping ease some of her pain. Much love and my deepest gratitude!”