Empathetic and Encouraging Letters are best written after you have asked questions of an older person such as the following. Once you know the person better through these questions you can write about these things to them and maybe include a picture of something related to what they have told you. If you can draw, include a drawing of something that might be related to what they have told you.

Older folks have fascinating growing up stories to tell us. Ask questions such as:

1. Where did you grow up and what are some wonderful memories you have from your childhood?
2. Did you have any pets? What were their names? What kind of a dog or cat or bird etc?
3. Where have you traveled in your life time and what are some of your favorite places you have been?
4. What were some of your favorite hobbies or crafts or things to do? Did you paint, wood work, sculpt, quilt, sew, knit, etc?
5. What kind of things have you made? Did you like cooking and what favorite foods did you cook?
6. Did you play games?
7. What kind of books have you read and what were your favorites?
8. Tell me about some wonderful things that happened that you enjoy thinking about?
9. Tell me about some of your favorite friends and what you did together?
10. What is your earliest memory and how old were you?