February has always been a very special month for me because it is the month that my first-born baby girl was born. Rikki was born on February 1st, so I decided to look up what other things are celebrated on that day. I was shocked to find out that in addition to Rikki’s birthday February 1st is also referred to as Candy Making Day, G.I. Joe Day, and Car Insurance Day. Some other February celebrations include National Pay A Compliment Day on February 6th, National Make A Friend Day on February 11th and National Do A Grouch A Favor Day on February 16th. Some celebrations are a little less sentimental like National Fart Day on February 5th, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day on February 7th, National Read In The Bathtub Day on February 8th, and National Rubber Ducky Day on February 25th.
February 26 however is the one that for some reason really caught my eye. February 26th is National Letter to an Elder Day, a holiday celebrated by sending an elder a handwritten letter of love. National Letter to an Elder Day was started by Love For Our Elders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting loneliness with love among senior communities. It made me stop and think about how important this little act of kindness can make in someone’s life. I think it touched my heart so much because my dad turned 90 in December, and he has definitely been forced to slow down. He spends much of his time in his chair, but he has been blessed with family and friends that come sit beside him. I know there are so many other people facing mortality just like my dad is, that are sitting in a chair or a bed alone in their homes or a nursing facility. I thought about how much it might mean to them to get a letter reminding them that they still matter and that someone is still thinking about them.
I plan to send as many letters as I can to as many people as I can this year on February 26th. You may know someone in your community, a relative, or an aging friend that would love to hear from you. If not check out https://loveforourelders.org/ for suggestions. I’d love to hear from you and how your act of kindness made a difference.
