Every Christmas my favorite organization, More Love Letters (MLL), organizes The 12 Days of Love Letter Writing. More Love Letters is a movement started by a friend of mine, Hannah Brencher. MLL works to shower people with love, even on days when they don’t feel deserving of it. During the 12 days of letter writing, my friends over at MLL pick twelve stories to highlight over the course of the campaign. While Christmas is a season of hope and joy, it can also be filled with feelings of loneliness and despair. Because of this, we get the opportunity to bring some love and light to people in need.
When Hannah asked me to share Anistazia’s story on my blog, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Anistazia is an amazing woman who deserves to recieve some of the love that she has spent her life giving to others.
Anistazia’s friend writes, “Anistazia had a once in a lifetime romance. She was a slave in Germany during WWII and after immigrating to America she married her childhood sweetheart. They kept their vow of “until death do us part” but when he died a part of her did as well. Since his passing she had to enter an assisted living home but she still “chooses to find the beauty in everyday and shares that beauty with everyone she meets.” Let’s give Anistazia all the love she’s given to others over the years.
I decided to post my letter to Anistazia here on my blog, because I think the themes of her life are relatable to many of ours as well, but of course I’m sending her the snail mail, too.
Dear Anistazia,
I know that I have never had the privilege of meeting you, but that doesn’t change the fact that I want the best things for you. I am so inspired by you and all that you have overcome.
A good friend told me that there are three universal love languages, and I agree. They are patience, kindness, and availability. The way that you live your life exhibits all three, my friend. I don’t even know you, but from reading your story, I can tell that you have the gift of making the people around you feel seen, known, and cared for. Never underestimate the importance of that.
Fight every single day to be amazed by the world around you. Take it all in. Look for the little victories, and celebrate them fiercely. Find miracles in the mundane. I’m cheering you on, Anistazia.
Lots of love, Anna Kate
I really hope that you’ll get involved and send this sweet lady a letter, too. Let’s come together to show Anastazia how much we care. If you want to send a letter, please send it to the address below and use the hashtag #12daysMLL if you post it to social media.
Anistazia’s bundle
℅ Taylor L.
P.O. Box 32
Koppel, PA 16136
USA
Lastly, I would really encourage you to check out More Love Letters at http://www.moreloveletters.com or on social media @moreloveletters. We think that snail mail should never go out of style, and we want your cursive year round!
anna kate cartwright 