The Kindred Mailbox
I just got back from my vacation. I visited family in NC, near Sunset Beach.
We did alot of things while there but out of all the things we did, our favorite was the Kindred spirits mailbox. It’s actually a tourist attraction and is on google maps. It’s quite a hike from the pier on Sunset Beach but it’s well worth the long walk.
The mailbox has a note pad inside and an ink pen, as if inviting you to write something in it. There are several benches to sit on for quiet contemplation, facing a vast ocean, and as I was flipping through the pages looking for a blank page to write on, I couldn’t help but read some of the entries.
There were stories of immense loss, some written by children, stories of immense happiness,Tales of hope and redemption, of lives lost and lives regained, .….People poured their hearts out to the Kindred Spirits.
Eventually, I found a blank page and I wrote what I felt I needed to write. Then we headed back. On the return trip back to Sunset beach, we met an old woman walking alone who looked like she needed to get something off her mind. She walked toward us. We couldn’t help but notice she was clearly very fatigued from the long walk, and she asked, “how much further to the Kindred box?” We reassured her, “Your almost there! You should have it in sight in about 5 minutes!” She thanked us and continued her journey……
This was not my first visit…It always changes me….in a good way
It’s the happy place I go to, in my mind, when I am feeling stressed.
It’s a special place where wandering hearts go…..
Replies
I hope that you had a lovely trip sweetie
What a beautiful photo and an inspired idea of sharing in the best way possible
I've never heard of this before
Thank you for writing about it Bob
Oh, the sight of the beach, the shoreline, the sun, the water is so, so refreshing! I've never heard of the kindred mailbox! Wonderful idea and the walk is awesome...gives you time to ponder all the things.
Glad you enjoyed the visit! Beautiful! Agree with SunCloud that appreciation for you sharing!
That's awesome. If I'm there one day, I'll have to see it.
I think that is a wonderful Idea....wonder who set it up and who replaces the paper inside.....must be someone....
@ Thankyou SunCloudJD It was started by a guy and his girlfriend, 35 years ago on a whim. They put a pen and note pad inside just to see if anyone would write anything on it. I don't know what happened to his girlfriend but he died a few years ago at the age of 93.
@ Thankyou Mid !!
@ Nutin_Special...I think if go there, you will find inspiration for a new song! Thankyou!
@ billwfriend.....There was a story on the CBS evening news about it, ten years ago. I dug it up for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMQTn2TRCiY&ab_channel=CBSEveningNews
Here is a PBS story on it" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2jwxdmu1LM&ab_channel=MyHome%2CNConPBSNC
cool
It looks like such a very special place for you. Seeing the photo I can for sure see why.
What a beautiful, peaceful place! Sounds like it's very special to you and many others. I've added it to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
Thankyou Carly!
Thankyou Ladybug7.....Right around this time of year is a great time to go. Not many people. I highly recommend!
It sounds a beautiful place as is the photograph.
Wow, what a unique and lovely thing at Kindred Spirits. I guess we all just want to be heard, or read. Leave our pain and worries there. I didn't know about this place, thank you for sharing this story.
so if the title did not say sunset beach I would have thought N. Carolina would only see sunrise and that pic was early morning....but sunset beach is odd place I guess North Carolina looks into the sunrise more than the shore looking to sunset.....explain it to me Bobberoonie....please....
Thankyou Barry!
Thankyou Hasty_05
billefriend From late fall through early spring, due to the island's unique positioning, you can watch the sun both rise and set over the water. So, pick your spot on the beach early, and you won't even have to move!
I've left notes in that :-) We went there for a few days during a week-long trip to the Outer Banks. We were on our way to Charleston, SC, to finish the vacay. Really misnamed. The sunrises were sooooo lovely while we were there! :-) And, I agree. It's.... humbling, I guess? Gives perspective. The Kindred Spirits. We're all the same, in joy and sorrow.
@ Leo! Yes it does.. I loved reading the stories in there! Some of them brought tears to my eyes but the thing that struck me the most was that all of them were filled with hope no matter how tragic their circumstances were. That mean's that there is hope for the rest of us, :-)