15 Comments

More beautiful writing Shannon. Thank you. Like James Tollison, my Mother passed away. She was the one who taught me about the importance of writing letters (thank you notes, in particular). I still write her letters (some cemeteries actually have white postboxes for you to put your letter in). When I was in the Navy, I wrote to the Mothers of all of my Sailors to let them know how their son/daughter was doing. 24 years later I still write to a few (and some write back), though I have less to say. So, I join you in saying "You really should write your Mother a letter." And, there's nothing wrong with writing to someone else's Mother either.

Expand full comment
author

I had no idea that some cemeteries have a place for letters--I love that idea! And of course you wrote to the mothers of your Sailors; I bet those women cherished your words.

And you're absolutely right, writing to someone else's mother is always a thoughtful idea, too. There isn't a mother in the world who wouldn't appreciate a kind word.

Expand full comment

Mike, you are such a kindred spirit, and you are one of the most generous letter writers I have ever known. As you so often say, kindness matters, and a thoughtful letter is the epitome of love and kindness.

Expand full comment

I am missing Shannon's stationery !!

Expand full comment

How I wish I could. I wish she had lived long enough to have seen the house we bought.

Expand full comment
author

I'm sorry for your loss. It might seem strange, but I think that writing a letter to a loved one who is no longer with us is still a possibility. Sometimes just expressing our love concretely has a cathartic effect.

Expand full comment

Thanks for this encouragement. My mom is turning 70 this month. I want to write something for her. Thanks for helping me focus on what it's most important to communicate to a mom about their years of labor.

Expand full comment
author

I’m certain she will treasure a heartfelt letter from you! Letters are one of the best gifts we can give.

Expand full comment

A letter. Thank you for this prompt and the algorithims that brought you to me....I am reclaiming the losses of our matriarchs in my family....Mothers are not revered enough in this world. Enough that is to know that their worth would never be in question for be it the pain and suffering of generations for the loss of just One to the tyranny and injustice to just One.

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Shannon Hood

I always ask my mother to write to my children… Because of her extraordinary Catholic school 1950s handwriting. But I should take your advice and write to her also, thank you for the push.

Expand full comment
author

I’m sure she would love it!

Expand full comment
May 9Liked by Shannon Hood

I wish that I could write mother a letter. Mother died of Alzheimer's in 2008. But she began showing signs of the disease 18 years before that. Yesterday, I looked at old photographs. Many of the pictures are of my mother. I ache for her at times. Mother was the essence of home.

Expand full comment
author

So glad that you have photos to look back on of your mother. ❤️

Expand full comment

Oh, Shannon, how much I love this post I am so fortunate to still have my mother at age 99. And for those whose mothers are no longer living, perhaps there is another person in your life who has mothered you in some way. They would love to get a lettertoo. Thank you for spreading this important message of loving connection and heartspoken letters.

Expand full comment
author

It would be hard for me to count all the women who have mothered me in some way. So, yes! Writing to one of those women would be a wonderful way to celebrate and appreciate them on Mothers' Day, too.

Expand full comment