Christmas day of 2007 came and went. It was the typical American Christmas—gizmos, gadgets, whatnots, and an oversized helping of turkey. Two days and a transatlantic flight later I was standing in a small other-continental village regretfully pondering my extra helping of Christmas turkey and materialism. I decided that things would be different in 2008.
During the Christmas season of 2008, my wife and our extended families decided to give a Christmas present to that little village. We decided to spread the wealth, meager though it may be. Instead of purchasing presents, we created presents for each other and donated the difference to our friends in the village. That is where you stepped in.
As my gift to Amber, my wife, I created the Mother Letter Project with your help. Simply stated, I collected around 600 “open letters” from you. You submitted your stories—no matter though raw and difficult. You shared you concerns. You shared your wisdom. Simply, you shared your mother stories.
The project was more successful that I could have hoped or imagined. You came through, submitting almost 600 letters! We have been blown away by your generosity.
But what if? What if we could pick an initiative and raise awareness and support. What if we could pick an initiative and make a difference with these letters? We can.
Submit your letter before Mother’s Day. We will be compiling a second book–the Mother’s Day Edition. If you submit before Mother’s Day, you will get a complimentary copy of the Edition. And anyone else who wants a copy of the project? They can purchase it for ten cents per letter generated, with all proceeds going to Compassion International’s malaria intervention initiative. The only rules? Start your letter “Dear Mother” and sign it. Then, share a letter here or by email (motherletter@gmail.com).












{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I cannot imagine ANY mom not wanting to take part in this, quite possibly the sweetest “words of encouragement” gift I’ve ever seen. What a gift of love and thoughtfulness…and truly “knowing” your wife.
I’m touched by your insight…and can’t wait to offer my own.
Do you understand how much your blessing “us” by blessing your wife? Well done, friend :).
What a beautiful and creative gift you are giving to her and to so many others.
You have no idea of the ripple effect this could have…truly, this is from the heart and what better place could it have started from!
Well Done!
Melissa in Mel’s World
I’m in
I’ll email you the letter once I’ve had a chance to put my thoughts to paper. What an amazingly creative and thoughtful present you’re creating! Nicely done. I’ve plugged the project on our blog
http://thegomers.blogspot.com/2008/11/mother-letter-project.html
All the best,
Lezlie
I played along today. You can see my post here.
http://www.frominmatestoplaydates.com/2008/11/24/the-split-second/
I sent mine today!
I’ve just sent you mine. You’re the most thoughtful husband ever!!!
Natalja
I just wrote my letter and I want to thank you, for encouraging me to do it. It means a lot to me, this project. What you are doing is wonderful.
I am blogging about you now. I hope some of my readers will share thier stories as well.
Thank you for this!
Heather
http://www.adayatthebeauchamps.blogspot.com
count me in!!
Is anyone doing a Father-letter?
I’ve just wrote a little blog about you and how wonderful this idea is. I’ve included a link to your project also. http://mysweetsationtherapy.blogspot.com/
Also I’ve suggested to start a similar project for “The letter for my baby”. All these things that you always wanted to tell your baby but he/she was too small to understand, even from the day they were born. Collect those written notes and give them to your “baby” on their 18th birthday.
Sounds like a good idea?
What an excellent idea. I’m delighted to have a chance to participate. Thanks.
I did it too…what a sweet gift.
you can read my post here
http://rickandjenny.blogspot.com/2008/12/mother-letter-project.html
Thanks for letting us participate!
I sent mine in!!
I think that what you are doing - it is affecting many. Not only your wife, but many mothers will be touched by what you are doing. I have posted about it on my blog as well. I have added your gmail acct. because I have it set up for only those I “invite”. Thank you for what you are doing and for being such a thoughtful husband! Your wife will be touched!
What a gift of words to your wife and what a legacy for your children to discover one day when they’re older.
I’m late to the party {as usual} but I’m chatting you up over at my blogjoint today.
And yes, my Mother Letter will be coming soon! I have to go find the Kleenex first…
What a beautiful “project.” I have posted this on my blog and I hope that I can do my part to “pass the word.”
http://caliphoenix.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/the-mother-letter-project/
You are a wonderful man and very insightful to understand that women themselves have almost always the same mindsets on what’s important to them as mother’s, despite difference mindsets on what’s important to them as women.
You will be seeing my letter shortly.
Working on my letter now.
What a wonderful idea!
I love this more and more every time I think about it. You are both a true treasure! Working on my letter!