More Than “Decor”-A Framed Handwritten Note

I read a message today that made my heart feel so heavy – and also reminded me of some precious memories…

We all have people in our lives that have impacted us dearly. Some of them – like my mom – were people we spent lots of time with – and have years- full of memories.

Other people have quietly slipped in and out of my life in small, short bits, but the impact was great. The inspiration they stirred in my heart has lasted decades.

Such was the case with a dear lady named Sharon. I remember sitting with her after dinner one evening and having such a lovely conversation that was so impactful for me, I still remember some of her exact words.

She struck me as a wise woman of God – who loved and cared for people deeply with the love of Jesus.

She now is gravely ill and is spending her last day at home before entering hospice.

My heart aches, and I instantly remembered the beautiful gift she gave me after that after dinner conversation. It was a handwritten note with some of the quotes we had discussed in our conversation.

I still have that note. I stumbled onto it that long ago. But, do you think I can find it today? Nope…

But, thankfully, I had written a blog post about it years ago – February 8, 2011 – to be exact.

The pictures are small, and when I can find it again, I’ll rephotograph. But, until then, here is the original story:

I recall seeing a home decor feature by Nate Berkus a few years ago. I don’t remember the details, but in it he showed a lovely framed note that had been hand-written to him by Oprah. His point was that we should surround ourselves in our homes with things that inspire us and help tell our unique life story.

I don’t have a hand-written note by anyone famous, but I do have one that inspires me greatly. It was written by Sharon Hanson – a dear lady who entered my life last summer. She was a guest in the cottage by our house, and we had a few chances for some lovely visits.

Before she left, she handed me a note with some quotes on it. They were from a book that we had discussed previously, and it’s been hanging on my fridge since that day.

As I was pondering the meaning of the words today, it dawned on me that I needed to give it a place of more “importance” than just the fridge. So, I dug out the clearance frame I just purchased and put it in it.

And hung it beside my bedside lamp.

I could have photocopied it and made the margins a bit smaller, but I wanted the “real deal” in the frame. I love the texture of the plain notepaper along with the real ink of her handwriting. Glancing at that note inspires me for more than just the meaning of the words. It also brings back the memory of Sharon and our conversation at that camp dining room table. She encouraged my heart. She made me feel so cared for. And she inspired me to do that for others.

The quote that she handwrote for me says this,

Someone once said “When you love, give it everything you’ve got, and when you’ve reached your limit, give it more and forget the pain of it, because as you face your death it is only the love you have given and received which will count. All the rest – the accomplishments and struggles, the fights – will be forgotten in your reflection, and if you have loved well, then it will have been worth it, and the joy of it will last you through the end. ” “At the moment of death, we will not be judged by the amount of work we have done but by the weight of love we have put into our work.” – Mother Teresa (Taken from the book “Lifegiving” by Tammy Maltley)

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My thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and her family today. Thank you for giving to the Lord, Sharon. I am a life that was changed by you.

More Wall Decor Ideas

• Free Fall printables you can print on your home printer
• Christmas canvas art (that lights up!)
• Book Page Wall Art