Gail Godfrey is on a mission to spread messages of hope to children across the country, by collecting open letters to be published in her new book.
The music teacher from Shailer Park said the idea for the book came to her during the pandemic and was solidified when the war between Ukraine and Russia broke out.
“Even though our world is brimming with the beauty of nature, it has changed rapidly in the last few years with a Covid pandemic, floods, war, issues of violence and bullying, increased focus on media and technology, all of which can feel overwhelming for families,” Mrs Godfrey said.
“Writing a letter is a way of connecting and is often an effective way to pass on a message of hope, love, understanding and inspiration.
“The idea is to collect a limited number of letters, which will be collated, edited and published in the form of a book, hardcopy and e-book.”
Mrs Godfrey said she has received interest from a number of publishers and she hopes to receive over 150 letters from the local community.
“People of any age, gender, culture are invited to take part,” Mrs Godfrey said.
“They may want to write to their own inner child, or a story in their own life which may have been challenging, and what helped them become positive about their life.
“It could be from a personal experience or just something that they believe would help.
“I think there will be something quite extraordinary about those people who contribute, and they will have had a lot in common.”
Mrs Godfrey has received about 15 letters to date, mainly from people over the age of 60 who want to reflect on their lives so far and offer words of wisdom.
Mary, 75, wrote a letter to her teenage self, who at the time was coming to terms with her sexuality.
“I am so proud of you for being patient and enduring, until the day came when you met beautiful women like yourself to share love. You are not alone, you are here to stay, and PS: I LOVE YOU,” she wrote.
Lorraine, 60, wrote to her first great grandchild Cadence to leave a piece of herself with her.
“Being 60 years of age and knowing my time on earth is limited, I wanted to leave something of myself that she may wish to know sometime in her future. To know she was loved. A voice behind a photo.”
Beverly wrote to “all the children of the world,” imploring them to see the world in a bigger way.
“You can laugh all you like, but please for me, slowly make a big O with your eyes. Carry your O with you, you will be surprised by what you see,” she wrote.
“I think people of all ages are trying to find meaning in their lives, and young people are trying to decipher what makes life interesting for them,” Mrs Godfrey said.
“My greatest hope is that their lives are exciting, fruitful, peaceful and fulfilled.
“While it may not be a bestseller, it might just sow the seeds of hope for a few people, and that will be enough.”
To get involved, send letters (or recordings to be transcribed) to PO Box 3099, Loganholme. Qld. 4129 or email to: gailmessagesofhope@gmail.com. Word length is between 25-250 words.
