Some gifts transcend the material, and nothing exemplifies that better than heartfelt messages from those we hold dear but have lost. A touching viral video captures a teen’s emotional reaction as she opens a present lovingly dubbed “messages from beyond” by her mother, Melissa Greenfield. This moment is sure to inspire parents everywhere to consider a similar gesture for their children.
For her daughter Emily’s 18th birthday, Melissa had been planning an extraordinary surprise for nearly two decades. When Emily turned one, Melissa reached out to friends and family, asking them to pen letters to be opened on her daughter’s milestone birthday. Last week, the big day finally arrived, and Melissa recorded the emotional unveiling.
Melissa shared, “Messages from Beyond. This week, Emily celebrated turning 18. For her first birthday, we asked our loved ones to write her a letter for a time capsule to be opened 17 years later. It turned out to be the most invaluable gift we could ever give her.” And judging by Emily’s tearful reaction, it’s clear she agrees. The letters included sentiments from those she lost along the way. “Among the 30 letters, there are 8 from loved ones who have passed, including her Grandfather Charlie, Aunt Sarah, and her great-grandparents,” she explained.
The family gathered to read the letters together, and Melissa remarked, “We laughed and cried together all night. What a blessing to receive birthday wishes from everyone.” She encouraged parents to consider this idea, saying, “The time capsule was filled with incredible messages for her. If you have little ones, do share this concept. It was truly remarkable.”
With my kids being eight and six, I’m already scheming to have family members write letters for them as well. Not only would it be a treasure for us to read years down the line, but if we ever faced the loss of a loved one, having a final letter filled with their cherished words would be irreplaceable. And if you have an infant? This idea serves as the ultimate first birthday gift from everyone who loves them—far more meaningful than anything money can buy.
I suspect this trend will catch on quickly, so hats off to Melissa for sharing this beautiful family tradition with the world.
For more insights into parenting and family moments, check out this article from our other blog. If you’re curious about enhancing your fertility journey, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. For additional information on pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes is a fantastic resource.
In summary, the gift of heartfelt letters from loved ones can create lasting memories and connections, making it the perfect surprise for significant life events.