We're Just Getting Started...
When I first met Jacob, I was 15 and brand new to this whole “journalism and social media” thing. At a convening for Born This Way Foundation, Jacob and I bonded over Taylor Swift, theatre and a mutual appreciation for golden hour. Fast forward a couple of years later and I’m incredibly honored to be a part of his team.
2 years ago, I guarantee you that Jacob and I never suspected we’d still be working together!
Loving on all generations has been something that’s become particularly significant throughout my high school career—whether I am seeing theatre shows with my grandparents, singing at a local retirement home or interviewing veterans—there’s nothing more important than listening to the stories of others. Luckily, one of the main components of Love For Our Elders is listening to and loving people, something I’m convinced is essential to anyone and everyone.
Like I said earlier, a large part of my life is interviewing veterans and hearing their stories… which brings me to my grandparents, Norm and Mike.
There’s definitely something to be said for having conversations with my grandparents. For one thing, there’s never a time when I don’t learn something new. I’ve come to find that in every conversation and connection, if I’m willing to listen, there’s always a lesson to be learned or new insight to be gained. Every time I connect with my grandparents, I’m exposed to a new perspective or several new stories that I never would’ve encountered had I never made that initial connection. If I could encourage you to do one thing, it would be to reach out to those around you, even if you think you’re already close to them.
Love For Our Elders has taught that there’s value in connections with other people. When you’re writing a Letter of Love, you’re reaching out to someone who might’ve not felt appreciated or connected with in a long time. Writing and sending letters to seniors in my area fills me with a sense of joy that I can’t even begin to explain to you.
One of my favorite jobs I’ve had at LFOE as an intern has been my experience putting together Sunshine Bags, or gift bags we send out to seniors. Jacob was so kind to send me all sorts of goodies to put in boxes and send out to some seniors.
You might be thinking, “Emma, how did you decide who to give the bags to?”
Well, this is easier than you might think. At first glance, you might find it difficult to find a group of seniors to donate to; I promise you, they’re not as far away as you might think they are. For me, I reached out to my local library and asked if they hosted any programs with seniors. It turned out, every month, they visit a local retirement home for a book club—bingo.
In my Sunshine Bags, we included stress balls, bandanas, notebooks and other goodies. It doesn’t take too much to make a person’s day; as I was putting together the bags, I had a huge smile on my face just thinking about how one small action was going to make an impact on some seniors.
With the help of some friends, we wrote cards and put them in our Sunshine Bags. If I’ve learned anything with LFOE, it’s that the thought you put into something really does count. Seniors (and everyone, really) love a handwritten note. Whether it’s pages long or a simple card, something handwritten and personal really goes the extra mile when it comes to making someone’s day.
Besides my incredible experience making Sunshine Bags, I’ve had a ball helping with social media and getting to connect with a few of you in the process. My absolute favorite moment was finding letter artists for Love For Our Elders Day last year—can you tell I’m already getting excited for this year?
I’m looking forward to many more experiences working with LFOE and especially with Jacob—not to mention, he’s the coolest boss ever—in the next few months and as I head into a new stage in life.
If you’d like to hear more about my personal experiences with seniors, LFOE, or anything else for that matter, feel free to shoot me an email. I would be more than happy to chat. In the meantime, remember to be kind to each other and reach out to someone new this week… there’s always a new connection to be made!