The Greatest Gift of All

The written word – it’s an almost archaic term in today’s modern world. Do we really write anymore? We email, text, and message but when was the last time you took a pencil and put your thoughts on paper? From quill pens to iPads, the way we “write” has evolved as quickly as our expectations of it.

 These days, we want our responses fast – text right away, abbreviate if you have to. Why write “thank you” when you can just type “ty?” Effort takes time.

 Time is precious, after all.

 What’s missing is the character in how we connect – the way we loop our G’s and cross our T’s that creates sentiment through a style that is uniquely ours. It’s the personal touch that transcends the words and lets meaning take flight. By taking the time to connect the letters, we connect with one another.

 Today, we received an envelope containing a handwritten letter and a $20 bill – a gift made even more impactful by the words in which it was wrapped – a story of triumph over tragedy in a journey through darkness, struggle, light, and hope written by a woman who saw rock bottom and used it to springboard toward safety. With emotion in every stroke, she shares her most vulnerable secrets and successes, supported by people who took the time to help her the way she needed, down a path that was uniquely hers.

 Thank you for sharing your stories and supporting survivors in your own special way. This work saves lives and you are the reason we’re able to give survivors time to heal.

 Time is precious, after all.