10 ways to start your letter
People love the idea of writing a letter to someone going through treatment but the reality of getting started can be harder than imagined. Our writers tell us that once they start writing then the words flow, but getting into the letter can be difficult.
So to help you, here are 10 ways into your letter. Please feel free to use them, change them or mix them up. They're all yours.
Good morning,
Today is Sunday and it’s a beautiful sunny day and reminds me of when….
Hello
I heard you were in hospital and I wanted to let you know people are thinking of you. While you’re having your treatment I thought I’d tell you about my walk today…
Hello there
I’m writing this in my garden - it is mid afternoon, my children are fed and watered and relaxing in front of their screens. All this allows me a few moments of uninterrupted peace which is perfect for writing to you.
Hi
Strangers though we are, I hope you are as comfortable as you can be and there will be some sunshine in your day.
Yesterday I did something I’ve never done before…
Dear Friend
I heard you are in hospital. lt takes very little effort on my part to send a letter to say I’m thinking of you. A kind thought means a lot to me so I hope it brightens your day.
I was thinking about the simple, kind things that I’ve experienced over the last week. The first was…
Dear Fellow Human Being
The first line of a letter to someone you don’t know is the hardest but now it’s written I can carry on and tell you about…
Hello,
I know that we are strangers but I also know that time spent in hospital isn’t easy.
You flick through a magazine. You’d like to read but can’t settle to a book. You try to remember what you ordered for lunch. You guess who might come to visit you today. Perhaps a letter will be easy reading and pass a little time for you.
Dear You,
I am not sure what sort of person you are, what you like, what you’d like to find when you open this letter but I thought I would give you a poem…
Hi
I am in a café and have just overheard a funny conversation. I thought telling you about it in this card would be a perfect way to make sure someone else shares my smile.
Dear You
I have a cup of tea, the house is quiet and I have a pen. These moments are rare but I’m very happy to be sharing it with you.
For tips on middle and endings of letters, read our post Donate A Letter - What To Say here.