my mom's list

about four years ago on new years day my mom was contemplating life, thinking of how she wanted to start the year off. so she sat down and made a list of words. words like love, peace, hope. and then she opened up the phone book and looked for people that had these words for last names.

yes, you guessed it. she called them. each and every person on her list, and said, "mr. hope?, you don't know me, but i just wanted to wish you a happy new year and that i want my year to be filled with hope, and that yours may be too".

to which mr. hope said a confused thanks. and on down the list she went. and now, four years later, she pulls out the list every january 1st. and wouldnt you know it, most of them are waiting for her call. she has even visited a an elderly lady from the list. they tell her that they always wonder if this will be the year she doesnt call. and she tells them she cant imagine stopping.

i love my mom. she is crazy. in that good way.

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Comments

house on hill road says:

this is the most amazing thing. i'd like to get one of those calls.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

gardenhoe says:

i cannot tell you how much I love this
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

by Abi* says:

that is the most amazing thing i have heard. i cried reading this. in a good way.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

krommama says:

what a wonderful tradition
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

hanne:: says:

oh, what a lovely, lovely, lovely idea! wonderful.
what a beautiful mamma you must have!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

haeshu says:

in classic daughter fashion, when she told me four years ago my initial reaction was what??? you are crazy! why would you do that?? but of course four years later what am i doing? calling her to see if she has made her calls yet.

hanne, i think she is adorable
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Bird in the Hand says:

no frickin way. you need to contact ira glass of This American LIfe. This is an amazing story.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Sweeteclaire says:

reading this just lit me up.
beautiful.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

mommycoddle says:

i'm trying to figure out how "balint" could be a word to add to her list...

an amazing, amazing story hannah. i agree with lisa.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

lori25z says:

that's a great kind of crazy; the kind of crazy that we should all embrace a little more in our lives.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

fidalix says:

totally bonkers wonderful. an amazing woman. this is real art. live art life
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Veronica TM says:

wonderful story!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

d_rimbo says:

this is one of my favorite new years rituals. i love that little patricia.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Molly | Orangette says:

Oh my gosh, Hannah! I'm with Lisa - you need to get Ira Glass on this PRONTO. Your mom is pure magic.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

nicole | the habit of being says:

you do need to call ira! just great
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

urchinmama says:

Wow. I love this. This is amazing. And so is your mom.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

silentvale [deleted] says:

oh wow.. some people
have the most brilliant minds!!

i love how she's written little notes next to them..
"call her back soon"

dang. my eyes are still popping out of my head =)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

UNIFORM Studio says:

If you don't call Ira, I will. amazing.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

little birds says:

yea, my immediate reaction was hannah needs to submit this to tal like so many others. wow.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

villany says:

this is absolutely incredible!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

cherry tomato says:

incredible! I also vote for calling Ira.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

mischievousmeg says:

holy crap, hannah. this is wonderful and i'm so glad you shared it with us! i can't wait to hear it on This American Life.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Buttons Magee says:

That truly is amazingly beautiful.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Supercapacity says:

I love that story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

devinemom says:

this is such a wonderful act. i do hope to hear it one day soon on tal. please do look into it.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

ddot. says:

that is the best thing ever. i hope your mum has all of these in bucket loads.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

clumsy bird says:

your mom is awesome. seriously. she certainly made my day!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

rustyboy says:

I just repeated "Oh my God" over and over about ten million times.

I may just have to steal this idea. Don't have her call Ira. I want this idea SO BADLY to be my own!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

aperryz302 says:

that's a great, touching idea
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

moxiee says:

My first thought was Bird In Hand's thought: Ira!

This is an amazing story.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

erica_knits says:

That is so beautiful. I can only imagine how
special and wonderful your mom makes the people
on her list feel.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

UncommonGrace says:

that kind of put a lump in my throat.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

ScaryLily says:

Amazing! Tell her I think this is wonderful! And thanks for recording this !
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

keksofant says:

What? No.
Yes?
That is truly insanely good.

And if you do call Ira let me know so I can come and stalk him.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Nickster 2000 says:

Brilliant Story!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

amydawnrose says:

being canadian i have just recently discovered the wonderful this american life; you have to call him! i love it when people reach out to total strangers.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

teensleuth says:

what a crazy, wonderful story. inspires me to take more risks.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

charlotte** says:

just wonderful. what a happy new year they must all have.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

haeshu says:

thanks everyone! yeah, she pulls out whoppers like this every now and then. perhaps i should get to writing huh? if it can get me closer to ira (whom i love) i am all for it.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

wikstenmade says:

wow, that is insanely cool!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

ukweli says:

Incredible. There are clearly levels of Patricia I was not aware of. Concercion?
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

wendy::: [deleted] says:

oh so fantastic!
no wonder you're special too!!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

jami_felver says:

speechless. that is so beautiful...i, too, love it when strangers reach out to one another to once again prove how connected we all are.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

haeshu says:

concepcion. conception in spanish. not a working number, go figure.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

beegirl211 says:

My mouth is agape! This is utterly fantastic. Thank you for this!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

» GUM « says:

[ OMG ]
thats so amazing ~
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

beth mercer says:

i always love hearing this story, hannah. a writer couldn't dream this up.
so glad you got a shot of the page.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

lindamccraven says:

that is the coolest thing ever. what a blessing she is to the earth.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

beth mercer says:

oh - and if she'd like to add strong back to the list, you could give her roger & michelle's #. :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

sheryl stephen / WaveOfModulation says:

This story and picture made me feel really good. Thank you. Andplease than your mom for me too.

I have often wondered what life would be like for someone named Grace or Faith.

And it also made me think about the list of adjectives I used as a mantra/prayer when I was a growing up: Be grateful, be brave, be thankful, be humble, be joyful, be willing, be true.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

WaTTacK says:

just... Perfect! *.*
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Beckyboo :) says:

Thats amazing! I wouldn't have the patience (or guts) to do something like that! X
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

♥ Moa Maria says:

Wow, that's just amazing! Thank you for sharing that lovely little story, these are the things that gives life a bit of extra sparkle :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

shades of mediocrity says:

wow :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

voicesbybrian says:

That is incredible! It's people like your mom that make this world a special place.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

delsignorem says:

Thank you for sharing that Great story ! I applaud & congratulate you for recognizing what a special, fantastic Mom you have & your Mom for being one !! Spirits like that are Oh ! So Special in this world & should be appreciated !!!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

amisha says:

thank you for sharing this amazing story. my heart feels so full, so warm looking at this.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

kimbrlymay says:

no WAY! no freaking way! I want her to be my mom too
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

hmueller says:

That is so amazingly beautiful. Your mom must be one super-special lady.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

[k]ro says:

the story it's extremely cool
your mom rocks!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Mayr says:

Amazing. Just wonderful.
Thanks for sharing this, Hannah. And bless your Mom.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

minecreations says:

this made me so happy. how very cool of your mom.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

ThePaperPrincess says:

Oh wow. Amazing. But you knew that. Blown away here.. .. =)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

ali edwards says:

This could be one of the coolest things I have seen in a very long time.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

reddott says:

Your mum seems to be one of these people who make the world more interesting and hearty... Amazing idea.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

MNKaren - Still editing California photos says:

One of the coolest things I have heard of. What a wonderful thing to do!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

dominiquep says:

I wish my mom was crazy that way...
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Lu KaiLin 露凱琳 says:

wow! your mom ist absolutely fabulous and wonderful . my mom ist crazy too, but in a different way.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

erica + little allen says:

"i wish my mom was crazy that way..."
me, too.

your mom is a lovely person.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

the mayfly says:

This photo and story has sure gotten the reaction it deserves.
An amazing person with a crazy sweet idea, your mom.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Elizabeth Taylor says:

OK, I have a few things to say. First, I really need to end this flickrvacation because I am missing everything. Second, your mom is a genius. And third, Ira. Glass. Now.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

red felt flower says:

this is so fantastic, really really outstanding...
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

shiny[and]new says:

What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

nikiya2789 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Hand Writing, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

hopskipjump says:

Oh, wow! Such a great story, Hannah! Your Mum sounds amazing.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

hrsmithjones says:

this makes my heart feel good, it's great your mom is doing that and touching people's lives in such a nice way.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

petite sparrow says:

omg that is so incredible your mom sounds like a neat lady.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

sungazing says:

the world needs more people like your mom. :-) This made my day.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeremy Stockwell says:

What an amazing story. I saw this on Explore. I would LOVE to hear it on This American Life. What a great idea, Bird in the Hand!!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Pancakemama/Ani says:

amazing, special, beautiful, inspiring...wow.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

californiasaige says:

This is amazing. I got a little sad when I saw her note that said "she said to take me off her list". :( You have an amazing mother. I would love to get her call every year. Thanks for sharing!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

cat collier says:

i am speechless. thinking of so much.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Alexandra Whatton says:

Wow - great story...I love hearing about things like this - gives me hope for the human race - THANK YOU!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Orange Blossom Goddess says:

My initial thought was " oh boy this can't possibly work out well - I wonder if anyone hung up on her or told her to -ahem' shove off" but then I continued on with your story and discovered I was smiling by the end of it. How nice that she continues to call each year and how nice that people look forward to her call.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

keeper of the chocolates {Marigold} says:

i love your mom. i wish she would call me. :)

what a special and dear woman she must be to have as a mom. :)
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

beetgreen says:

what amazes me most, and gives me the most hope, is that people on the other end of the line were open to hearing her wishes and accept her greeting. very very inspiring. thank you for writing about it.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

xo b says:

this is really amazing.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Sonia Luisa says:

Wow, that takes guts!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

alisoncohn says:

this is just great, i wish i has the guts to do this
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

CathyC2 [deleted] says:

your mom is so cool. wonderful idea :) glad there are such nice people in our world :)
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Astrid. says:

this makes me speechless
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

picture prefect says:

this made my day.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

minty pix says:

your mom is an amazing person! this is awesome! totally made my day! i really wish i was on her list!
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

ddot. says:

hannah, it is now may 2nd and i'm back here. it makes me incredibly happy to read this nearly half way through the year.
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

erin.lee says:

this is seriously so cool. what an amazing idea and touching story.
Posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

Q_uilted T_hrifted says:

I often think of all the lonely people in the world. It sounds like your Mom may have touched the lives of a few people. It is beautiful. Maybe it won't be immediate. Maybe it will touch some of these people in 20-30 years from now. Random acts of kindness.
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

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my mom's list

Comments

house on hill road says:

gardenhoe says:

by Abi* says:

krommama says:

hanne:: says:

haeshu says:

Bird in the Hand says:

Sweeteclaire says:

mommycoddle says:

lori25z says:

fidalix says:

Veronica TM says:

d_rimbo says:

Molly | Orangette says:

nicole | the habit of being says:

urchinmama says:

silentvale [deleted] says:

UNIFORM Studio says:

little birds says:

villany says:

cherry tomato says:

mischievousmeg says:

Buttons Magee says:

Supercapacity says:

devinemom says:

ddot. says:

clumsy bird says:

rustyboy says:

aperryz302 says:

moxiee says:

erica_knits says:

UncommonGrace says:

ScaryLily says:

keksofant says:

Nickster 2000 says:

amydawnrose says:

teensleuth says:

charlotte** says:

haeshu says:

wikstenmade says:

ukweli says:

wendy::: [deleted] says:

jami_felver says:

haeshu says:

beegirl211 says:

» GUM « says:

beth mercer says:

lindamccraven says:

beth mercer says:

sheryl stephen / WaveOfModulation says:

WaTTacK says:

Beckyboo :) says:

♥ Moa Maria says:

shades of mediocrity says:

voicesbybrian says:

delsignorem says:

*amisha* says:

kimbrlymay says:

hmueller says:

[k]ro says:

Mayr says:

minecreations says:

ThePaperPrincess says:

ali edwards says:

reddott says:

MNKaren - Still editing California photos says:

dominiquep says:

Lu KaiLin 露凱琳 says:

erica + little allen says:

the mayfly says:

Elizabeth Taylor says:

red felt flower says:

shiny[and]new says:

nikiya2789 says:

hopskipjump says:

hrsmithjones says:

petite sparrow says:

sungazing says:

amisha says: