Have you found our Dear Richmond mailbox yet? Keep an eye out when walking the trails of the James River Park System for an opportunity to find this special place, and make sure to leave a message in the community journal found inside the mailbox.
In 2020, in the midst of COVID-19, Richmond Grid teamed up with the James River Park System to hide this rustic mailbox in the park for others to find. The old mailbox quickly found a new purpose as soon as it was installed in the park, as the community began to use it to leave messages of hope during a period of time requiring citizens to isolate. Despite our physical separation at the height of the pandemic, the mailbox offered a safe space for community interaction while social distancing. People wrote letters to strangers and had conversations through the journal, many of which continue today for regular visitors who stop by and leave a note of inspiration.
Over the years since the mailbox was first created, it has changed locations in the park, weathered the seasons, stood tall against the toughest of storms, and even endured the occasional graffiti artist or two. Through it all, the mailbox and the community journal inside have served as a reminder of Richmond’s beauty and resilience. The piles of journals collected from the mailbox hold stories of both hardship and setbacks, as well as love, support, and encouragement. Park-goers who visit the mailbox regularly leave kind messages to those they’ve never met, along with inspiring quotes, sketches, and even gifts. Each journal reminds us that Richmond is a community that has its ups and downs, but more often than not, it always rises to support each other.
If you haven’t discovered the mailbox yet, we hope you seek it out along the trail near the park headquarters. And when you find the odd little mailbox hidden in the woods, make sure to leave an inspiring message for others. You never know who might need it. Keep being kind, Richmond.
A few recent journal entries:
“Today is the first day in which I feel free. The thoughts have quieted. I may have lost the family that I wanted, but I know this is not the end.”
“I’m grateful for this trail, for this park, and for the people who maintain it. I’m grateful for this community that helps support and maintain me on hard days. I hope that I can do so in return for others, starting with the next person who visits this mailbox. You are loved.”
“Be true to yourself Richmond. You’re a great place.”
“I hope my message finds you loved and cared for. If not, I hope they find you soon.
The world seems such a mess, but under those trees, I find that maybe it isn’t quite so bad. I’m sure the spider on my pants would agree. I’m sure the birds would too. So please, even when you hurt, even when you feel lost, remember to love others. And yourself. I forget the latter sometimes. Life is to be loved, life is to be kind. But I know which I prefer, don’t you? Peace and Love.”
“Love to all. To the next person. You are awesome with all your uniqueness and diverse experiences. Keep your head up and continue to live in love and be you.”
“RVA, you have been good to me in so many ways. I am so undeserving. Out here today and enjoying some good warm weather. Listening to “Dbn Nyts” and other music by Shumaya, and some more Amapiano while playing Djembe. Life is good, but definitely full of ups and downs. But that surely is the beauty of it all.”
“Stopped quickly. Gotta kid, chasing a toddler. And ants.”
“I am sober today and my mind is clear. I walk these trails for distraction at times, and those are the best days. Outside I find all that I really need, and nothing more.”
“Gone walking, mostly sitting. Richmond has welcomed me warmly. This gratitude runs through and throughout. Thank you for the words in this journal and others for their beautiful art. As always, thank you and love you. Keep walking.”
“Hi, I’m Stitch. I’m a French Bulldog. I love it here. I jump rock to rock, drink river water, chase birds, and lick poop. I also had sushi today. Thank you mother. Woof woof. I love RVA!”
“If you’re looking for comfort, you will find it.”
“Hello Richmond. Been here for a long time and Richmond has changed so much. Some good, some bad. But I must say, I still love it.”
“Clearing my head. Phillip and I are feeling the energy of the woods (Phillip is my dog). Enjoy your day to all!”
“Dear Richmond – I love you more than anything on this planet.”
“Today I traveled down to Belle Isle to reconnect and to revitalize my relationship with myself, and my truest love. These wonderful lands and greens have and will forever represent the amazing beauty and shine of this world. I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity to share this ground we walk upon, as well as my thoughts with fellow residents.”
“It’s a good day to be outside. A good day to smile at others on the trail, and to say hello to strangers. It’s a good day to tell someone you appreciate them. It’s a good day to appreciate nature, to appreciate our city, and our people.”