390+ Love Letters for Ryan
The pandemic changed the lives of everyone in different ways. For Ryan and his wife, it resulted in the heartbreaking loss of their small business.
After eight years with this business, they had become leaders in their field, so closing their brick-and-mortar business was significant to the town and the industry.
Ryan was in the process of applying for jobs, but discouraged by the struggle of trying to get his resume in front of the right people instead of merely the automated hiring systems. His wife, Hannah, wrote to share that he was “feeling enormous pressure to provide for his family and has been working tirelessly to find a path forward. He is such a wonderful husband and father to our daughter. He has a kind heart and is beyond talented and creative. He is my biggest cheerleader but right now he could use some cheerleading himself.”
Ryan needed encouragement as he worked tirelessly to get his family back on their feet. And in classic MLL fashion, you delivered.
Hannah wrote to share just how much your words meant to her husband. Thank you so very much for nominating my husband Ryan. He cried when his first letter arrived and said it was the kindest thing that has ever happened to him.”
In the days since sharing Ryan’s letter request, Ryan found a management position with a good company, and he and his family—including two cats and a baby!—moved from California to North Carolina without having ever visited. Hannah shared that they are loving their new life down south, and feel it will provide the perfect childhood for their daughter.
But throughout those difficult days, your letters kept Ryan and Hannah going.
“We decided to spread out opening the letters throughout the month which was a fun and uplifting activity each day while Ryan looked for work…It was so special opening the letters of encouragement during that difficult transition and it was the perfect way to send us off.”
Ryan received over 393 letters from around the world, from Hong Kong to Israel to the UK to Puerto Rico and beyond!
He wrote in to share what your letters meant to him. “This was the by far most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. When the first letter arrived by itself, I teared up to think how amazing it was for someone to write such kind words to a stranger. Then as the days passed and more and more letters continued to flood in from all over the world, I was absolutely floored. The kindness and encouragement from people from all parts of the world was truly mind boggling. Thank you to everyone, and of course my wonderful wife for nominating me for this. I will remember and cherish this for the rest of my life.”