I received a letter today.
It touched my heart.
Now, I’m a "writing-word-communicating" sort of person. Daily I receive a zillion emails, business mailings, memos, text messages, phone calls and an assortment of loop mail. All are good.
But this was different. It was a real, old fashioned letter. With a stamp. It came in the mail. It was beautifully handwritten on pretty writing paper. It was written to me, just me, by a dear friend in another state, just to say hello, to share her life, and to ask about mine.
I write a lot of words in the course of a day. I write on my current book manuscript, write articles, short stories, plays, and occasional blogs. I communicate with a lot of people. But I have to admit it’s been a long time since I wrote a personal letter like that, although I did way back when, in the past. Why did I stop?
“Why spend 42 cents on a letter when email is free?”
“Email is so much faster..texting is like the speed of light.” “Hi 2 u!”
“Loop mail goes to dozens. It is much more productive.”
“I can send messages on Facebook, I can Tweet..”
I’m not exactly sure why getting this good old fashioned letter felt so nice. Was it that I was worth the extra minutes? Worth 42 cents?
All I know is, I cherish this letter! I like the feeling of pleasure it gave me, so I’m passing the thought on. I designed my own writing paper today (and printed it myself, as I’m still too cheap to buy the expensive kind, I admit).
I’m going to handwrite some notes, and let a few people know how much I care about them. In this busy, productive, high tech world, sometimes I can forget about that special, personal touch. I’ll spend the time and the 42 cents, because friendship is worth the extra effort.
Are there any thoughts on letter writing out there?
8 comments:
I agree. A handwritten letter is such a treasure.
I spoke in church a few months ago and received a lovely note from a neighbor thanking me for my testimony. This neighbor lives a hundred feet away. I was so touched that she'd spent paper and a stamp on me! Silly, but it really does mean something.
Thanks for the post,
Cami
My "sister of the heart" lives hundreds of miles from me, but we communicate almost exclusively through hand-written or typed (and mailed) letters. Not just short notes, mind you, but 15-pages of news, jokes, events, feelings, thoughts. One of the best things in my life is seeing a new, thick letter in the pile of mail. I brew a pot of tea, curl up on the couch and spend time with a beloved friend. Try it! You'll like it!
How sweet.
Robin Roberts made writing letters one of her New Years' resolutions on GMA...it seems to be a growing trend.
Isn't it strange to think we used to depend on letters so much...and almost lost the art.
Thanks for the reminder...
I love getting postcards. I stick them on the fridge -- a little glimpse of some exotic faraway place with a cheery greeting from some lucky travelling friend.
At the moment there are postcards from : China, (pagoda,)Dubai( crazy camel race), Prague(snowy scene), New York(Emp State building), San Fran (Bay), Busselton (West Aus. the pier), Holland( cows) and New Orleans (buildings).
Cami, see, even a neighbor! That really touches me.
Elizabeth, I love the post card idea. I don't do much world traveling, and don't seem to have too many in my life who do, but post cards from the beach, or a vacation are a fun idea too. I wonder why I'd forgotten about these things? Thanks for the thoughts and comments.
LaVerne, I love the idea of that big fat envelope full of news too! I AM going to try it. Though it'll be a cup of coffee instead of the tea! Thanks.
Carol, yes, I guess the DEPENDENCE on letters has changed, since we have so many options. But I think maybe it's a connection that brings joy, so it's an interesting thing to think about. Thanks for your comments.
Post a Comment