Writing letters and keeping in touch

[jow2319]

Hello

I can’t see my adult brother at the moment. This has been very hard, but I know he is safe and well. I just miss him.

We have tried lots of ways to keep in touch (the usual- video and phone). We have also started writing to each other. These aren’t always long letters (I do this sometimes if I am in the mood – but then he needs help reading them). I have also send photos, postcards, advent calendars, quizzes and scrap books.

This month the focus has been Christmas, sharing Christmas cards, photos etc. He write back as often as he can and he has really liked having a goal. For example, if he goes out on a walk he will remember what he has seen, or pick up a leave, and then send it to me. I have a lovely collection of things from him. It’s not the same as seeing him, but it makes me feel connected to him. Hopefully I will see him soon, and then we can look through the collection of correspondence together.

I am beginning to run out of ideas. Does anyone else do something similar? I get the impression that Jan and Feb are going to be a bit of a slog - it would great to has some new ideas of what I can send him (and he can send me).

I hope you all have a safe and peaceful Christmas.

Jo

[Zoe-volunteer Community friend]

Hi Jo. It’s a great idea to get some plans together to stay connected over the next few months. What about doing some drawing? So you could set themes every week e.g. I’ll draw a picture of you and you can draw a picture of me, and other people/things/places that you have shared memories of. Just a thought, I hope our community will give you lots of ideas! Thanks for asking as maybe others will be inspired by what you’re doing already/need ideas that come up.

Have a lovely Christmas and take care,

Zoe

[1994EJED]

Hi Jo. It's lovely to hear what you're doing to stay connected. Building a photograph album is something my son loves to do. His support staff send ones of him and what he's been doing, and I take ones that he will like, then I print them off (using the Free Prints App) and send them to him. Sometimes I write stories to go with them. He loves it, and it's something he can keep, build on, and look back on.

[I_am_a_sibling Survey Community friend]

Hi jow2319 , these are lovely ideas for keeping in touch. You might also be interested in a workshop coming up that's being hosted by Sibs, the charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults. They're looking at an app called Book Creator where you can send fun/interesting interactive letters to your brother/sister.

More info and booking info here: sibs.org.uk/support-for-adu...

How has the new year been for you so far? Hope you're managing to stay in touch.

Take care

F