05/28/2026
May 27, 2022. On this day 4 years ago I wrote a letter to a dying child. It’s the first & only time I’ve done that & it’s not a stretch to say that’s probably the fastest I’ve ever written a letter. I found out about this child through some of my friends on this platform. I asked if he believed in Santa, they said yes, I had an address almost immediately and I was on my way to the post office not 15 minutes later.
I am a big believer in doing what you can with what you have from where you’re at. This felt like the least I could do. It’s important to remember that what may feel like the most basic, entry-level, thing that comes incredibly easy to you might actually be extraordinary to other people.
I learned a lot about myself when I did this, not the least of which is that every day people I know do things that seem so extraordinary to me I wouldn’t even begin to attempt them. It never occurred to me that anyone might think that about something I do.
I have written to deceased children and very young children who’ve had a parent die in the line of duty. I have written to a dying child. I have written to incarcerated people. I have written to deceased parents and living parents grieving adult children. I have written to nurses during the early days of Covid. I have written to women who have miscarried children.
All of this, while incredibly taxing, is actually quite easy for me. I know down to my bones there’s no letter I can’t write. It literally feels like the least I can do for these people. I will die and/or cry trying.
I say all of this to remind you that I am 100% certain that there are many people in your life who can point directly and immediately to something that you do that seems just as extraordinary to them yet seems like a low bar for you. What you have to contribute matters to people no matter how “small” it may feel when you look around.
I also say this to remind you that letters are incredibly important and are not, in fact, a lost art form. So hug your people. Send some mail. Don’t let comparison stop you from doing what you can with what you have from right where you’re at. The life you change might be your own. XO, Stephanie 🎅🏻💌
