Avalanche of Christmas cards brings joy to Theresa Power
Sunday has always been a day of rest for Theresa Power, an 88-year-old widow and mother of five, who resides in St. Joseph's, St. Mary's Bay.
Even the suggestion of doing laundry on the "Lord's Day" would be frowned upon by this devout Catholic.
But considering what's happening in her life these days, Theresa didn't think she would have time for washing clothes on Monday, especially after the Canada Post employee arrives with her "basket" of mail.
So for the first time, Theresa broke her own rules on Sunday and broke out the detergent.
It was worth it.
Monday was another day of reading dozens of Christmas greeting cards from total strangers throughout the province and beyond.
Some of the hand-written messages to Theresa were very personal and uplifting, including the one from a woman in Bay Roberts who recently lost her own mother and said she would "adopt" Theresa.
Another group of young students from Clarenville also sent Theresa cards.
"I loves 'em," Theresa said during a recent interview with the St. John's Morning Show.
Never been happier
In all, Theresa has received some 300 greeting cards, and she has her son Henry to thank for the outpouring of Christmas spirit.
It started as a practical joke last Christmas, and has grown into something that is inspiring others to take the time and recognize a loved one who may be alone during the holidays.
Henry Power lives in Paradise, and talks to his mother every day.
Theresa is on a tight budget, and during a conversation with Henry last year, she agonized over the fact she had only one postage stamp left.
If more cards arrived, she would have to buy more stamps.
Henry reached out to all of his friends, and asked them to help play a prank his mother.
The result was more than he ever imagined.
Theresa received 80 greeting cards last Christmas and could barely wipe the smile off her face.
Henry decided to expand his campaign this year. It began with a message on Facebook, and then an interview with St. John's Morning Show host Anthony Germain.
Listeners were engaged by Henry's sincerity and playfulness, and his obvious love for his mother.
The response was heart-warming.
Theresa leaps out of bed each morning, eager for the postman to arrive.
Just recently, she joked that these are the happiest days of her life.
"Imagine. She's 88 years-old and she's saying that," said Henry. "When you can be that age and have something to get out of bed and look forward to in your day, it's huge.
Sharing the love
The cards have brought overwhelming joy to Theresa's life, and Henry hopes that others can appreciate what such a gesture can do for those who could use a little more love and kindness in their lives.
"I've had a number of messages from people. It's triggered thoughts for them and they've done things for their parents or seniors in their communities," said Henry.
"What I'm asking is for people to look at people in their own lives, send a card or note to them over Christmas. It's a big impact."
So does Theresa plan to reply to all the cards?
Not likely.
She could never afford the postage.
She wants Henry to pass along her thanks with a message on "Faceboard."
Would you like to send a greeting card to Theresa Power? Here's her address: P.O. Box 2, St. Joseph's, NL, A0B3A0.
