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December 2024 Challenge: Letters

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Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

"Words have the power to bridge generations, carrying wisdom from the past to light the path for the future."  -John Lewis

As I contemplated my entry into this month's Challenge, I couldn't help but think about the series of letters I am writing to my granddaughter, Michelle. I hope they will become a timeless treasure to her and perhaps be handed down to future generations. 

When I went away to college I asked my grandmother to write me letters about her life. I loved receiving them, reading them, and I still treasure them. This is what inspired the series of letters to Michelle. I hope she enjoys them as much as I enjoy writing them.

In a world filled with fleeting texts and disposable emails, there’s something special about receiving an actual letter in the mail... sharing accumulated wisdom, love, and shared moments from a life well lived. That’s why the letters I’m writing to my granddaughter are, without question, the best gift I could ever give her.

These letters are a time capsule of my memories, lessons learned, and emotions. They hold the essence of who I am, my life experiences, and the insights I’ve gained through my journey. They’re a gift that transcends the material... a connection that Michelle can revisit time and again, long after I’m gone.

What makes these letters special is their ability to foster a deep, personal connection between us. Each word is chosen with her in mind, crafted to inspire, encourage, and guide her as she navigates her own path in life. They are a way for me to share my heart and soul, to remind her of her worth, and to celebrate her growth.

Unlike a store-bought present, these letters are timeless. A favorite sweater may fade, and gadgets will become obsolete, but the words on the pages of those letters will never lose their relevance. Whether she reads them tomorrow, a decade from now, or shares them with her own family someday, they’ll remain a testament to the bond we share.

For Michelle, I hope she sees these letters as a treasure chest of love, a source of comfort during tough times, and a beacon of joy during triumphs. I am currently sending her one letter every two weeks from the ABCs of Life alphabet series. She will receive the entire series over the span of one year. It's like her getting 2 love letters per month. 

When it comes to giving a younger loved one a gift that truly matters, I believe the written word, a piece of one’s heart and mind is the most meaningful gift of all.  These letters aren’t just about me sharing my life. They’re about celebrating hers and creating a connection that even time can’t erase. If that’s not a gift worth giving, I don’t know what is.

This month’s Challenge is all about sharing ideas for gifts that are perfect for those who already have everything or are notoriously hard to shop for. If you’re younger than me and still fortunate enough to have parents, aunts, uncles, or other special people in your life, here’s a thought: how do you think they’d feel receiving a heartfelt letter from you? It would be a letter that shares just how much they mean to you and why they’re so special to you.

Honestly, I can’t think of a more meaningful gift. It’s personal, timeless, and something they’ll treasure far longer than any store-bought item. Sometimes, the simplest gestures leave the biggest impact.

This is my entry into the December 2024 ActiveRain Holiday Gift Challenge hosted by Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 and me.

Posted by

Carol Williams

"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
 

Whatever You're Doing, Make It Fun!




Comments(26)

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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Happy Tuesday Carol! A favorite cousin comes to mind that had a huge impact on me as a child. A hand-written letter will be perfect to send as a show of heartfelt thanks.

Many thanks to you and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 for hosting this month's challenge!

Dec 03, 2024 06:09 AM
Carol Williams

Good morning, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! 
I'm glad my post resonated with you for a special letter to your cousin. You just can't go wrong with a letter.

Dec 03, 2024 07:34 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I love your practice of sharing letters.

Enjoy the holiday season!

Dec 03, 2024 06:47 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Roy Kelley 
Letters have become so rare these days, they've become very special... as they should be. I'm glad you're enjoying the letters.

Dec 03, 2024 07:35 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Carol, I think Michelle will always remember the letters you are sending her.  They are very special.

Dec 03, 2024 06:52 AM
Carol Williams

I hope so, Joan Cox 
She says she is loving them.

Dec 03, 2024 07:35 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

What a perfect gift and a great idea. I once gave my sons a dream book, I think only one of them actually wrote anything in it. The idea was to put down their goals and see how they worked to achieve them. I like the letter idea and may steal it for my grand kids.

Dec 03, 2024 06:54 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 
The do hope you use the letter idea. They will be treasured I am sure.

Dec 03, 2024 07:36 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Carol these letters to Michelle are a gift of you, and there is nothing more special that we can give to our children and grandchildren than a gift of us.

Dec 03, 2024 07:11 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you, George Souto 
She is learning a few things about me and her Grandpa that she didn't know. 😊

Dec 03, 2024 07:37 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Carol Williams you have such a tender and loving heart. There is a calmness about you that emits such positive energy.  I know that from having the honor of meeting you and spending face-to-face time, yet it can be felt in your words as well. 

Your letters to your granddaughter transcend time, are timeless, and create a connection that time cannot erase. Simple gestures can leave a big impact. 

 

Dec 03, 2024 07:19 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you so much, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 
Your kind words are very much appreciated. You and I have a lot in common.

Dec 03, 2024 07:39 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 

Carol Williams 

Your entry sums up the meaning of our December contest!

I can’t think of a more meaningful gift. It’s personal, timeless, and memorable; she'll treasure it far longer than anything you could ever purchase. She is a very lucky granddaughter!

Dec 03, 2024 09:57 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you,  Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
Of all the grandkids I think she will appreciate them the most. Maybe someday the other kids will see them too.

Dec 03, 2024 12:05 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I am certain that Michelle will always treasure your letters, Carol.  They are filled with wisdom and love.

Dec 03, 2024 12:39 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Myrl Jeffcoat 
She says she is loving them so far and putting them in a binder. I can't wait for her to have the entire set.

Dec 06, 2024 09:53 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Carol, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

Dec 03, 2024 12:39 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks so much, Myrl Jeffcoat 

Dec 06, 2024 09:54 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Carol Williams - I can attest to the fact that letters are treasures. Your entry is an inspiration that many can follow with their own personal recipe of what makes them who they are and why the person you give it to is so special. 

FYI... I have huge collection of personal letters from people here and gone. Lives matter!

Dec 04, 2024 07:25 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP 
I NEVER throw a personal letter away. They are treasures to me.

Dec 06, 2024 09:54 AM
Patricia Feager

Carol Williams my letters are keepers too. 

Dec 06, 2024 11:39 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hi Carol,

Treasure your letters to Michelle forever. Sharing the most intimate parts of your thoughts brings incomparable joy to both sender and recipient.

Experience the joy of giving and receiving, for it is in giving that we truly receive.

Dec 04, 2024 01:19 PM
Carol Williams

That is so true, Aura Alex 
I do get more joy in giving than receiving. That's not to say I don't appreciate the gifts I am given. I do, but the greatest gift is to see someone else appreciate something I have given them... even if it just my time.

Dec 06, 2024 09:55 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Carol:

I have so enjoyed reading your special ABCs of Life letters for Michelle - such a wonderful gift to give her that she will always treasure, as will you! And sharing them here is such an inspiring gift for all of us as well.

Enjoy your weekend and a winning round or 2 of golf.

Jeff

Dec 06, 2024 11:46 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS 
I'm so glad you're enjoying the letters. I'm enjoying writing them, and she says she loves getting them.

I'm giving my back a little break from golf since I played Wednesday and Thursday.  I'll be back on the course Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this coming week.

I hope you're having a wonderful SoCal weekend.

Dec 08, 2024 05:02 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Carol,

I love the letters you're writing to your granddaughter.  I started writing a letter to my nieces years ago but time and procrastination got in the way. Lately I've sent quotes to my oldest great-nephew before he goes to school. 

Dec 07, 2024 02:55 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathy Streib 
I have committed to a schedule for getting the letters out, so that helps. I think the quote idea is a great one.

Dec 08, 2024 05:04 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
I love this challenge and I take pride in gifting things that are uniquely appropriate for the recipient!
Dec 07, 2024 11:24 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD 
I love finding unique gifts too, but it's not always easy is it?

Dec 08, 2024 05:06 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I love this so much, Carol. What a beautiful way to share your life with the generation who follows us. Thank you for this post.

Dec 08, 2024 11:03 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you, Dr. Paula McDonald 
I'm quite enjoying writing them, and she is enjoying getting them. ❤️

Dec 09, 2024 04:03 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Carol Williams 
Certainly agree with you -  the best gift I could ever give her. - Couldn't give anything better. How many times have we heard (or said) "Oh, I wish I had asked about that bit of family history before it was too late!" All the best - Lynn

Dec 08, 2024 02:01 PM
Carol Williams

Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 
My husband wrote his life story before he passed. I need to get a copy to all the kids and grand-kids.

Dec 09, 2024 04:04 PM
Alan Brown
Coldwell Banker Realty - Davenport, FL
34 Years of Real Estate Experience .

When I left home to join the Air Force in 1975 my mother wrote me a letter every week from that point forward without fail until 2012. That is 37 years x 52 = 1924 letters. Every letter was always 7 pages long. It was full of the weeks happenings with the rest of the family.  I wish I could say I took the time to write back every week but that was probably never going to happen.  As the years went by it was easier to call, that didn't stop my mother writing those letters.

Dec 09, 2024 12:51 PM
Carol Williams

Alan Brown 
That is remarkable. I hope you appreciated it at the time. I know you do now. Did you keep them all?

Dec 09, 2024 04:05 PM
Danny Frank
JLA Realty - Pearland, TX
The Pearland Real Estate Expert

Something for all to ponder as we move into 2025

Dec 10, 2024 07:37 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Danny Frank 
Who doesn't love a personal hand-written letter? 
Thanks for stopping by to read my post.

Dec 12, 2024 06:40 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Michelle is a very lucky girl! I have no doubt those letters will be lifelong treasures!

 

Dec 10, 2024 07:49 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you, Sharon Tara 
I sure hope so. She says she loves them so far.

Dec 12, 2024 06:41 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Your letters will be held in a special place by your granddaughter. I have some letters my grandmother wrote to my father and they hold a special place in my heart.

Dec 11, 2024 10:38 AM
Carol Williams

Those letters by your grandmother are definitely treasures. I have letters my Dad and Mom wrote to each other while he was in the war. You can bet I'll never part with them.

Dec 12, 2024 06:42 AM