As I wrapped up another long day at work this evening, I was more than ready to head home, but there was one more very important piece of paperwork that I needed to complete. A letter to my pen pal. Yes, for the first time since I was in grade school, I have a pen pal, and this is not just any pen pal. My pen pal happens to be one of the men who comes to the day shelter for homeless men where I have the privilege of working.
Stan and I have known each other for over four years, and we see each other five days a week, yet we are still pen pals. I do not recall when our correspondence began actually, but now, I cannot imagine my life without the notes that Stan so tenderly presses into the palm of my hand several times a week. The content of the notes always includes his gratitude for my assistance and friendship and his concern about the well-being of my two daughters and me, and each of his sweet notes elicits a hand written note from me. Even though we converse with one another on a daily basis, our correspondence continues, and I hope that it never ends. The time that it takes to write these notes is time well spent indeed.
Stan’s notes are as precious to me as the cards and letters that I have received over the years from my family and friends, and I know from the smile on his face and his words of appreciation that my notes are meaningful to him, too. In today’s age of instant messaging, e-mailing, and texting, the art of letter writing has been lost, so, it warms my heart that Stan and I have resurrected this old school way of communicating with one another.
While it is said that it is better to give than to receive, I think that I can speak for Stan, when I say that we would argue that mutual kindness is even better. It is a simple act of kindness shared between seemingly different souls, but it means a great deal to both of us. Perhaps, the world would be a better place if we all took pen to paper in a positive manner, instead of taking up arms.
Thank you so much, as it always means a great deal to me when what I write resonates with someone! The men at the day shelter are near and dear to my heart, and I wish that everyone had a pen pal like Stan.
When I was in high school we traveled to (back then Soviet Union) for 10 days. I met a few Russian girls and we became friends. One of them was Larissa. We exchanged addresses and started writing to each other. I thought it was the greatest thing having a pen pal from a different country and it really was. I miss those times… 🙂
What an awesome experience! I had a few pen pals when I was growing up, and nothing beat getting those letters in the mail. It was a simpler time indeed.
Sheila, thank you so much! I am so glad to share their stories and hope to always do them justice in doing so. They are near and dear to my heart indeed.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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That is so nice, it really touched my heart!
I wanna a pen paaallll 🙂
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Thank you so much, as it always means a great deal to me when what I write resonates with someone! The men at the day shelter are near and dear to my heart, and I wish that everyone had a pen pal like Stan.
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When I was in high school we traveled to (back then Soviet Union) for 10 days. I met a few Russian girls and we became friends. One of them was Larissa. We exchanged addresses and started writing to each other. I thought it was the greatest thing having a pen pal from a different country and it really was. I miss those times… 🙂
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What an awesome experience! I had a few pen pals when I was growing up, and nothing beat getting those letters in the mail. It was a simpler time indeed.
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Yes it was! 🙂
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Oh yeah this was great but this woman who has many pen pals would think so, wouldn’t she
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So glad that you both liked this and that you have so many pen pals:)
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I love your stories about the wonderful guys at the day shelter…they truly touch my heart!! Little things mean so much….
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Sheila, thank you so much! I am so glad to share their stories and hope to always do them justice in doing so. They are near and dear to my heart indeed.
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Sweet story. Thank you.
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Gloria, you are so welcome, and thank you for your kind words! Very glad that you enjoyed it.
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Nice Blog about What i want to read and also interesting one
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