Little Love Notes

I learned the power of a note a long time ago. My mom probably never knew how much I treasured little notes in my lunch box or the thoughtful cards she always wrote every year for my birthday.

She continues to write me little notes today, always brightening holidays with a special card or leaving a sweet message on my Facebook wall. Every time I write my children a little love note, I think of her and I hope it’s a legacy they will continue.

I keep a small treasure trove of cards, notes, drawings and sweet nothing written by my loved ones in my nightstand. I plan to put them in a keepsake binder someday, but for now there’s something sweet about keeping them in my own secret place.

My husband and I have been married 8 years and he’s written me notes over the years, knowing my affection for them. Each one helps record special moments in our lives and I smile when I see them tucked away in my drawer.

During the early years of our marriage, I would sometimes travel for work. One day, I discovered the book above in a little airport shop, full of funny, sassy, sexy, outrageous cards. I started writing notes on the back and hiding them places; slipping them into Tim’s backpack, under his pillow, in his lunches. The best ones are gone now, but they provided years of connections through little love notes.

While there’s something special about handwritten notes, don’t underestimate the power of a technology to spread the love as well. Awhile back, I received a private message form one of my older sisters’ via Facebook. This little love note made my day and I remember going back to read it throughout the week.

Perhaps my favorite example of technology used right came on my birthday this past January. I woke up to find this note on Tim’s page and consider it the best birthday present I’ve ever received. This will be printed and stored lovingly in my night stand.

January 25, 1979. A very important day for me, though I hadn’t even been born yet. That was the day that an enchanting little girl came into this world. I wouldn’t meet her till almost 25 years later, and I had no idea that I would have the honor of calling such an immeasurably talented, stunningly intelligent, and gloriously beautiful girl my wife. Over the past eight years, I’ve been in awe of her on many occasions. First of all, she agreed to marry me, which I know must have taken some real force of will. Since then, she has given birth to three amazing children, who I know will all turn out to be amazingly successful, as they can’t help but be just like her. She has supported me in many crazy – and at times reckless – adventures, even proposing a fair number of those escapades herself. She is mind-bogglingly successful in everything she does, and she is magnetically irresistible to all who surround her. Those who meet her are instantly mesmerized by her charismatic allure, and they do not quickly forget the experience. For that is truly what even the most trivial association with her is: an experience in the exuberance of life. I’m still in awe, Mindy. Still in awe. I love you.

What’s your favorite place to leave love notes or what are some special notes you treasure?