Inspired by a husband's love for his wife…and he needs YOUR help!

Have you heard of The Mother Letter Project?

Many Bliss readers no doubt saw Shannon's (Rocks in My Dryer) sweet post last week about a husband who created a "letter blog" for his wife as his Christmas gift to her this year.  Following a perspective-altering, life-changing trip to Africa last year, SecretDaddy (dubbed by me) decided 2008 would be different.  One of the manifestations of that decision is his family (including extended) will create gifts for one another and contribute the amount they would've spent to the village he visited.

SecretDaddy, in collecting letters from mothers to mothers, wants to hear your story–your concerns, your wisdom, your perspective–and he will compile them all in book form to give to his wife.  Moms who contribute a letter before Christmas will receive a web-copy, too.

Learning about The Mother Letter Project, the "words of encouragement" girl in me almost exploded!  My favorite gifts received and given were both handmade books!  They are treasures in our home, and if it ever goes up in flames, the books will closely follow the children as I throw them out the window to safety.

In addition to writing my own letter, I wanted to get involved in spreading the word about the Mother Letter Project; I'll post about it soon on my blog, but Inspired Bliss seemed to be the perfect venue for letting **you** know about it.  I've been in contact with SecretDaddy to ask him if he minded, and while I was at it, the curious cat in me probed a bit further.  You'll find everything you need to know to write your own letter at The Mother Letter Project and Shannon's post but here are a few more thoughts he was willing to share (note: this stems from answers to questions I posed in email, and in some cases, I've changed his "voice" to protect his identity from his wife, if she happens to find this post):

Do you recall exactly "how" the idea popped in your mind for this?

No.  This is the funny part.  I was talking to a friend about it the other day and I said "I cannot remember not having this idea."

Do you have any goals as far as participation?

Yes, but my goals don't necessarily have numbers attached to them; rather, the quality of the letters themselves.  A collection my wife (and others) can turn to for encouragement in all phases of life (even those not yet lived).   [There will be] "hang in there" encouragement when it seems the children are running wild; sharing the joys of children and their witticisms; general wisdom letters.

I would also love to see those letters that deal with really hard topics [i.e., illness, death]. I've already read several and have found that in each of those letters, the sharing mothers found solace. They have tried to leave that solace to just one other mother who might be reading the project and going through the same thing.  This is where I really think we'll find some powerful stuff.  And at least a few times, I've almost cried.  And not because I'm romantic–because I'm human.

I'll share more of my interview with SecretDaddy soon, but for now, there are some FUN ways for YOU to become involved: