When I travel, I always write notes to my family before I go. It’s usually thoughts from what is going on in our lives at that time. The treasure chest where I keep them is really just a plastic bin on the floor of my closet, but everyone knows it is there. That’s all that matters. If they do forget, a lifelong friend has permission to drag it out and leave it where it will be found…in time.
There are two books in there. One is a children’s book: A Few of My Favorite Things, from “The Sound of Music”. It is a song I have sung to every young child I have known, at least once, and I hope it resonates as traditions should. It is about being both afraid and comforted, by remembering a few of my favorite things.
The other book is The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. It is a fun and spirited way to LIVE life. We share the same vision about gifts. There really is just one. That gift of time. 
So I leave the notes behind, because I believe nothing should be left unsaid, and yes, I am notorious for exactly that. In fact, I buried a $20 bill with one wish; that they will share a coffee and a Pink Champagne cupcake. I don’t tell them that. They will know. 
Why then do I need to leave a note if it has already been said? Seems kind of funny, I guess, but it is important to me and I think there is something powerful in the written word.
- A piece of paper is something to hold; to cherish. The words on them are specific, the penmanship is familiar, and is unique to the person who penned it. And to the person who read it.
- It is for encouragement. It is a time to rejoice and reflect about what’s good in life. I think a note can also be a reminder that even if today seemed like an uphill battle; tomorrow will come. The sun will rise. Sounds redundant. It is what it is; hope.
- It tells where you will feel close to me. It is tucked away in a drawer or in a pocket, and it will remain with you, for as long as it needs to be. I write about places we have visited, and places that have brought a sense of calm and spirituality to our lives. New England beaches from summer’s past will take you back to laughter, ice cream cones, and large family gatherings. Home will still be brimming with stories of new chapters and growing families. For me…I have learned about a spirituality in Sedona that cannot be explained, for now. That is for you to learn…in time.
Yes, there is power in the written word. Today it will tell them; you are on my mind.
They are.
The gift of time.
Wind Kisses 
I love your idea of a treasure chest of hand written notes Donna, we all spend far too much time these days writing everything via a keyboard of one sort or another, and not enough time actually writing with a pen, which is far more personal, or even spiritual as you have intonated.
It’s a wee bit like my feeling for books, even though I read ebooks quite often now, nothing beats a real book……………..it’s a far more personal experience.
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Yes, I love the pages of a book too. And I am also teaching my grandson what it means to have a pen pal. Great minds think alike. Thank you.
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That’s great that you are teaching your grandson (can’t believe you are old enough to have a grandson!!) to have a pen pal, all the kids these days use computers and phones(mobiles) for all their communications. I must admit, I’m pretty guilty of that myself! Lol! Well the pc bit, my mobile is fairly old, I can phone people on it, at a push send a text, and that’s it! 🙂
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Donna- I love how you explained and encouraged the gift of hand-written notes. We are kindred spirits. The practice of note writing is rooted in my habits as a mom and now a gramma, too. I was overjoyed when my oldest daughter called during a break from “going through stuff and getting rid of things.” She was overjoyed…. “mom you won’t believe what I just found! ALL the notes you wrote when I was a kid. I saved them All! I was just reading the ones you wrote for each day I was at camp.”
Good to know she didn’t throw those away 💕
Yes, handwritten is best. I have boxes of notes my loved ones have written to me- they are all labeled “happy thoughts”
Thanks for sharing Treasured Notes.
~JANE
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Jane, this brought tears to my eyes. Lovely sentiment. Love that your daughter found them now, while you can talk about them. What a gift. Yes, kindred spirits. Hopeful that this “lost art” is one my grandchildren treasure, too. Thanks for “your” note. I think the most wonderful unexpected piece of this blogging world is the people I have met.
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Donna, Isn’t that the truth? Blogging does provide an opportunity for people to connect in unexpected ways. For me, it provides a meaningful network of windows. Each window with a view of parts of the world as seen through the experiences of thoughtful people. With current events so topsy-turvy in the news media… I find blog communications to be very therapeutic. Cheers!
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