SD

Dear Stranger,

I want to say something profound, something to brighten your day or even change your life (unlikely) but all I can hope is to bring a smile to your face.

I'm not going to talk about myself, because you probably don't give a shit and I don't have anything exciting to say anyways.

But I truly hope that you know you are loved and valued everyday. Don't sweat the small stuff, it's funny what you look back on and don't regret. Life is too short to think much so just do it and most importantly, let the ones you love know it everyday. Remember: I love you! - SD

Grandma

Dear Stranger,

It feels good writing to you. Even though I don't know who "you" is, it's reasuring knowing I don't have to pretend right now. I don't have to get you to like me or even hold a conversation with you because to be honest I am NOT very good at either of those things. Another thing I'm not good at is spelling, so please give me a break. :) My favorite color is yellow, I get happiness from seeing other happy; whether I provide that happiness or not, I love going to the dentist (I went today as a matter of fact), grow up scares me, and one of my favorite people in the entire world is my grandma. That's where my story starts today, so lets get started. Shall we? My grandma and I were sitting in the walmart parking lot waiting for my grandpa to get back. A woman and a man walked up to their car next to us (my grandma had her window 1/4 the way down because she was smoking) therefore we could hear every word that plundered through her lips. She was talking about her med-terms (so she was obviously going into something medical related) and as she got settled into the car she looked right at my grandmother and hissed "You see that woman smoking I bet the lady in the back can't even breathe." The man replied "They can hear you." So she snaps back. "I don't care! That's rude." As they drove away she just shook her head. It was silent in our vehicle and I knew my grandma heard her. My heart hurt so much after she said that. I thought it would just bleed out right there & that's the whole story...

I lied, no it isn't. That's only half of it. What really got me going about that woman is that she doesn't know my grandma & at her age (middle aged) she should learn to keep her mouth quiet. Right? She doesn't know my grandma has stomach cancer. She doesn't know they are trying their best for her, but it will kill her in the end. She doesn't know that it's a struggle for us everyday & when I wake up in the morning I don't know what mood my grandma will be in that day. That woman doesn't know how good of a person my grandmother is. That one woman doesn't know anything about us and our lives. That's the thing about all of us. We never know what other people are going through and you don't know 1/2 of what I go through, and this brings light to that statement. I'm no perfect citizen. I've said mean things before, but this will make me think before I ramble about others (strangers). I hope you feel the same too. If I didn't teach you anything I'm sorry for wasting precious time, but next time you open your mouth to say anything mean about a stranger remember; it could be me. You never know.

Love,
Me

P.S. - I tell her to quit everyday. Someday... she will.

Note from Katie: Every i in this letter is dotted with a heart.

Be strong, believe.

Dear Stranger,

I've found that when words fail me, music is always there. So it's to the music that I turn.

"Think about the love inside the strength of heart. Think about the heroes saving life in the dark. Climbing higher through the fire, time was running out.Never knowing you weren't going to be coming out alive. But you still came back for me. You were strong and you believed. Everything is gonna be alright. Everything is gonna be alright. Everything is gonna be alright. Be strong, believe. Be strong, believe. Think about the chance I never had to say 'Thank you for giving up your life that day. Never fearing, only hearing voices calling out.' Let it all go, the life that you know, just to bring them out alive. And you still came back for me. You were strong and you believed. Everything is gonna be alright.Everything is gonna be alright.Everything is gonna be alright.Be strong, believe. Wanna hold my wife when I get home. Wanna tell my kids they'll never know how much I love to see them smile. Wanna make a change right here, right now. Wanna live a life like you somehow. Wanna make your sacrifice worthwhile. Everything is gonna be alright. Everything is gonna be alright. Everything is gonna be alright. Be strong, believe.  Everything is gonna be alright.  Everything is gonna be alright. Everything is gonna be alright. Be strong, believe."

Love,
Stranger

Some great advice.

to my dearest stranger.

thank you for recieving this, for reading it. I can assure you that this letter was made for you, only you; with no one but you in mind as my pen races across this blank page and scribbles something that only you and I will understand. This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. I you don't like something then change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching tv. If you are looking for love, stop. The love of your life will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love (the things you want most come to you the very second you stop looking). Stop over analyzing. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate EVERY last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things, and people... we are united in our differences. Ask the next stranger you see what their passion is, and share your dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them. So go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream, and most importantly: wear your passion.

your's truly always and forever.

Send me a letter.