Things Megan Loves: More Love Letters

Hello Beautiful People, 

I believe in many things.

I believe that chocolate should be a daily food group.  I believe that there’s nothing quite like a good bottle of red wine…paired with a really good pizza.  I believe in going to the beach all year round. I believe that my mother has the most contagious, most infectious laugh on the planet.  I believe that my family and friends are the most beautiful souls in the world. I believe in the magic of Christmastime. I believe things like faith are important.  I believe in the power of listening.  I believe in the healing capabilities of art. I believe in the golden rule.  I believe that it’s important to put as much positivity out into the universe as possible. I believe in Hannah Brencher + The World Needs More Love Letters.

If you haven’t heard of Hannah Brencher + The World Needs More Love Letters, lets fix that right now. Most important thing that you need to know? Well, they are a tribe of goodness. Pure and simple.  They are wizards with the written word, and champions in lifting broken spirits and hurting hearts.  And every year, for 12 Days in December, they pour out words of encouragement and light and love to twelve strangers who need it.

The 12 Days of Love Letter Writing campaign is 12 days packed to the brim with love letter requests, social media mayhem, giveaways, holiday cheer, and (of course) non-stop scripting of handwritten letters for individuals around the world who are so deserving of some extra holiday cheer. It started December 9, and will continue to December 20th.

Today is Day 5, and the bundle recipient is a lovely woman by the name of Elizabeth.

“My sister is a strong and amazing woman. She has been struggling with Crohn’s Disease her entire life and it is only getting worse every day. She is suffering in pain and missing out on a life that should belong to her. Everyday she gets up and cares for her son, but inside she has an unending pain. When you endure this disease it takes away your self acceptance, your self-love, and can make you doubt everything about yourself. She needs more people to care for her, to send her love, to tell her how amazing and beautiful she is, and that no matter how hard her journey is, she will make it through because she is strong, beautiful and wonderful, and her happiness is in her own hands.” 

Dearest Elizabeth,

 

I heard your story, and I immediately thought of someone who’s very near and dear to my heart, someone I think of as a little sister, someone whom I love tremendously.  My “little sister” suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.  And I know it wears on her. And I know it worries her.  And I know she buries her emotions deep into the crevices of her chest because she doesn’t want anyone else to worry. And so, she trudges on. And takes care of her mother. And works. And she forgets to stop and take care of herself every once and a while. And so, I have to remind her.

 

So, sweet Elizabeth, let me remind you of this.

 

I think people like yourself are heroes.  I hear your story, and I am in sheer awe. I hear your story, and I think, how does she do it? I’m in awe of your ability to multitask.  I’m in awe and admiration of your devotion to your child, even when you are in pain and suffering.  That, well, that’s the stuff that heroes are made of. 

 

To get up, everyday, and take care of your son when you’re in such excruciating pain – well, there’s no greater strength than that.  There’s no greater beauty than that.  It’s amazing.

 

There are people in your life who love you. Like your sister. Like your son.

 

There are people in your life who admire you.  Like the team over at MLL. Like myself. Like the many that will read this post and be inspired. And that inspiration will have come from your determination, your beauty, your goodness, and your strength.

And so, let me leave you with this.  As this holiday season is in full swing – I hope you get the chance to take a breath without worry. Without pain. I hope you get to take a breath with ease, and I hope you do it with the knowledge that you are a hero, with the knowledge that you are beautiful, wonderful, and that you will make it through the journey that lies ahead.

Sending you nothing but Love, Light, + Hugs, 

Megan