"I like volunteering with Letter Angels because it's a really beautiful reminder of how even the smallest things that seem simple to us can make a difference in someone's day."
-Dani
combat patient isolation and loneliness with
Example #1: Initial Letter
Hello! My name is Sofia, and I could not be more excited to be your pen pal. I am currently sitting outside while I write this letter. Although it is November, the balmy weather makes it feel like it is a warm, breezy spring day in Maryland. The temperature is a fascinating contrast to the trees surrounding my house, which all display bright colors of red, orange, and yellow. I have to look up every now and then to make sure my dog Rocky is still in my yard. Rocky is a six year old border collie, but his curiosity lures him into leaving our yard and visiting our neighbors. When Rocky was younger, my family and I had to drive all around our neighborhood to find him more times than I could count. We are extremely grateful he doesn’t go exploring as often anymore, but I always keep a close eye on him now. Have you ever had a pet? I will tell you more about my adventures with Rocky next week!
Sincerely,
Sofia
Example #2
Hi! I am writing from my deck again. I love spending time on my deck because it is a wonderful view of my town which is small and quaint with rolling hills and horses. I also have an excellent view of my mother’s garden where she grows zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, and so many more vegetables. If you had to choose to grow only one fruit or vegetable, what would you choose? We seldom buy produce in the summer because of the extensive daily harvests every June, July, and August. While my mother spends the most time in the garden, my father has developed his own green thumb, but for growing grapes and hops. The weather has not been conducive for growing grapes the past few years, but I will never forget the fortunate years when our grapes flourished. We made wine, and I vividly remember the squishy feeling against my feet as my brother and I stomped on the grapes—a homage to my Italian heritage. Comparatively, the hops are small flowers that grow from long, vine-like plants that wrap around the columns supporting our house. Once a year, the hops are harvested and used to make beer. My dad is quite popular at holiday family gatherings because of his array of home-brewed beer.
I hope you have a wonderful week, and I will write again soon!
Yours Truly,
Cristina
Example #3
Greetings! Today, my mom and I stopped at a farm stand in our town. We picked up some spaghetti squash and pumpkins for fall. There is never a person sitting at the farm stand—only a large, metal box that people use to pay for the produce they pick out. This farm relies on an honor system where they hope people are honest and pay what is owed. I have always admired this about my small town. There is a connectedness that I love between everyone in our community, and the trust we place in one another is inspiring. When I am older and have a house of my own, I strive to try growing vegetables myself. However, I have to overcome my fear of bugs. I enjoy being outside, but I am the first person to run away when a bee flies in my direction. Apparently, I have inherited this fear from my grandmother. Do you enjoy being outside as well? I do hope the weather remains this lovely so that I can continue writing letters to you while listening to the birds chirp and watching the sun descend. I hope you have a week as lovely as this weather, and I look forward to writing to you again next week!
Best Regards,
Diego