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Tell someone ‘you matter to me…’

BY Brenda Spandrio 7 Comments

children helping elderly

“You Matter to Me Day” is celebrated October 7. This has become an annual event of acknowledging the people who matter to each of us, created by Linda Jew in 2010 after having lost a friend and colleague in an accident that also claimed the life of her friend’s son.

We often neglect to let people know that they do, indeed, matter to us as we go about our busy lives. We assume that they know, after all we “Like” their Facebook posts and follow them on Twitter. And we often think about getting together for coffee sometime. But that stuff doesn’t count.

My grandmother is 104 years old (she’ll be 105 next February). For a long time I kept thinking that I should write to her, but then I got hung up on what kinds of things I’d write to her. As it turns out, she just wants to hear from me. So I write about what I cooked recently, tell her what I’ve heard from my kids and maybe what I’ve watched on TV and what the weather has been like. I always insert a few pictures. In the end, it’s not WHAT I write to her; it’s THAT I write to her. (By the way, I write instead of call because Grandma’s hearing is very bad) According to my aunt who sees my grandma all the time, she treasures those letters.

“You Matter to Me Day” is a reminder to me to contact a friend with whom I graduated high school back in 1979. I went to junior high with him and his (now) wife, too. Last June, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and, despite aggressive treatments, the outlook is rather bleak. However, he and his family have a strong faith that is very inspiring. I remember Kevin’s droll humor and insatiable need to learn.

There are a lot of people who matter to us – mentors, teachers, coaches, neighbors. When was the last time you told one of them?

Make somebody’s day today; tell them “you matter to me.” Post your story below in the comments.

Brenda Spandrio

Filed Under: Decluttering Tagged With: friendship, what to write in a letter, writing letters

Comments

  1. purplerara says

    October 8, 2012 at 1:41 am

    What a lovely sentiment. Thank you for sharing it 🙂

    Reply
  2. Stephanie LH Calahan (@StephCalahan) says

    October 7, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Brenda – Great to know that a day like this is on the calendar. I had no idea. I try to write one letter a month to someone in my life that I have not connected with to let them know what they mean to me. I love your comments on how your grandma just wants to hear from you. I know that is true for me! I love hearing from family and friends and deeply appreciate it when people check in just to see how I am. Great comments for sure.

    YOU matter to me. Thank you for being an active and engaged member of my private Productivity & Organizer group. When you share, you inspire others. Thank you.

    Reply
    • bspandrio says

      October 7, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Back at ya, Stephanie! I so appreciate your example, your encouragement and your generosity! You matter to me!

      Reply
  3. Carol Dodsley - The How2Girl says

    October 7, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Great article and reminder to always say hello, get in touch as you never know what may happen tomorrow 🙂
    Carol

    Reply
    • bspandrio says

      October 7, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks, Carol! It does make you think, doesn’t it?

      Reply
  4. Melinda says

    October 7, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    That’s a good “day” to become aware of. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • bspandrio says

      October 7, 2012 at 2:27 pm

      It’s so easy to think we will have time later to tell people how we feel…Thanks for commenting!

      Reply

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