In times of sorrow, finding the right words to support a friend can be incredibly challenging. Yet, a group of young students recently showed just how impactful a simple note or a hand-drawn card can be when a classmate faces a heartbreaking loss.
Sophie, a 6-year-old from Florida, tragically lost her father due to an unexpected allergic reaction to a bee sting on May 1. Understanding the pain their friend was experiencing, her classmates, teachers, and school staff came together to create handwritten notes as part of a project started by Sophie’s mother, Mia Thompson, called “Sophie’s Lunch Notes.” This initiative began when Sophie entered kindergarten, with Mia crafting elaborate notes filled with wisdom and love each school night. “I hope to keep these messages for Sophie to reflect on and learn from in the future,” Mia shared.
Mia initially shared her drawings on Instagram, primarily for close friends and family, but the account quickly gained over 900 followers. Following her husband’s passing, Mia noticed a slowdown in posts, which concerned some. To keep the community updated, she asked another mother to share a drawing from her daughter, Lily, that was made for Sophie during this difficult time.
The response was overwhelming. Friends, teachers, and even strangers from around the globe began sending notes of encouragement and support to Sophie, with new messages continuing to arrive daily. “It’s amazing to see notes coming from all over the country,” Mia said. “These messages will serve as important reminders that there are caring people in the world.”
Recognizing the significance of Mia’s notes, Sophie’s classmates decided to carry on the tradition while Mia and Sophie took time to heal. They showered the family with heartfelt messages, reminding everyone of the lightheartedness children can bring even in dark times. One particularly humorous card from a boy named Ethan made everyone smile amidst the sadness.
The most touching note, however, came from Mia herself. She wrote about how special and beloved her husband was, providing comfort to Sophie during this tough time. The outpouring of handwritten notes from friends, classmates, and even those they didn’t know has deeply moved both Mia and Sophie. “It’s incredibly heartwarming,” Mia reflected. “It shows how kind people can be and how much they care.”
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In summary, the heartfelt efforts of Sophie’s classmates to lift her spirits with kind notes exemplifies the power of community support during times of grief.