Boxes of Encouragement Story

As you may know, I have struggled for 20+ years with some difficult health issues. There was a time that I became housebound, and so isolated, that I often wondered if people “in my old life” even remembered me. Of course they did. I knew that. But I could go long periods without hearing from anyone.

It’s difficult to watch a loved one suffer. And it’s difficult to remember they are home struggling when life goes on at a normal pace for you. And it’s difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving or dealing with long term illness.

Occasionally, I would get a text or a card, or someone would leave flowers on my doorstep, or bring us a meal they had made for us, which were all meaningful.

Then one day, I received a different kind of gift.

- the rest of the story -

A friend called and said she would be stopping by to bring me something. She knew I was too sick to have a long visit, but she handed me a gift bag. She said she, and her small group of teenage girls she met with at church, had made me something. “Open one whenever you need encouragement” she said. And then she left.

Inside the bag was a lovely box. And inside the box were lots of hand written notes that she and her girls had written to me. Some were serious, some lighthearted. Truly, it didn’t matter that much what each one said… because every time I opened that box, it spoke of love, and told me that I was remembered! And to be honest, it lasted me for years!

As I have thought a lot about the focus of my artwork, my website and my small business, I want my experiences to encourage others who are struggling. But even more than that, I want to create thoughtful, artistic products that can be used by YOU to encourage those around you!

The “Encourage-A-Child Subscription” was the first one. This “Box of Encouragement”, inspired by my friend and her small group of teenagers, are the second. And even as I worked on designing and producing these, new ideas have been flowing like a waterfall!

I believe we can each make a difference in the lives of others!

Aloha kekahi i kekahi! (Love one another )