Last week we received a letter (and a photo) from Kensington Palace acknowledging our excitement for the birth of Prince George, and passion for helping the children at Respite Care of San Antonio.  What a circle of blessings we have experienced in loving those precious children in the care of Respite, loving our friends who celebrated Prince George’s birth with a sip and see/diaper drive, expressing this to the Royal family, and receiving “warmest thanks and best wishes” from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  If Their Royal Highnesses are touched, I am knocked out!

‘Tis the season for much correspondence, indeed!  Christmas and holiday cards are coming into our mailboxes by the truckload, and our dear friends are frantically trying to get those envelopes addressed and stamped to send more our way.  At this point in the season, you have either already chosen your cards, or chosen to wait until another holiday to send blessed greetings.  No matter your decision on your bulk mail duty, take a moment to consider who in your sphere of influence might benefit from a very personal message of love or encouragement from you.  Do you know a recent widow, a cancer patient, a soldier returned home, a priest (they need to be ministered to, as well), a child having a hard time in school, or a hard working teacher?  How would some words of encouragement, a carefully selected poem, a Bible verse, or your words of thanks affect this person, at this potentially painful time of year?

The Royal family certainly responded to my family and me in the most unexpected way: the personal letter.  We are forever touched and encouraged by their words, and quick action in delivering them.  I intend to carry “the gift of the letter” forward to others in hopes of positively affecting their day(s), too.  Below are some of my favorite paper choices from Crane.com.  (and the picture from the Duke and Duchess, of course!)

photo that came with the letter from Kensington Palace

Hand Engraved Botanical Swag Half Sheet from Crane.com

Personalized Hand Engraved Dalton Blue Sheet from Crane.com

Personalized Letterpress Monogram on Ecruwhite Kent Sheet

Hand Engraved Monogram on Bordered Correspondence Card from Crane.com

Hand Engraved Monogram on Beach Glass Note from Crane.com

Hand Engraved Ecruwhite Note with Decorative Motif from Crane.com

Happy writing and encouraging!

Mary Ellen