- Correspondence from LOTS of boys we couldn't remember her ever mentioning (and I'm not sure she would remember them either)
- Letters from relatives (who, interestingly, never wrote to me)
- Letters from me to Dawn
As a Facebook devotee and a blogger, I can obviously see the benefits of technology when it comes to communicating in the 21st century. The immediacy, the ease, the frequency, the ability to connect with literally hundreds of friends at one time is something letters can never compete with. However, the honesty, the depth, the emotion, and the staying power of a letter is something that is lost in the world of Facebook status updates, texts, tweets, email, and even blog posts.
My life would be considerably less rich without the correspondence between my Pop Pop and me during my years at college. I can't imagine having fallen so completely in love with my husband without the intelligent, creative, and witty notes he would leave on my desk when we worked together, and which later sustained me during a year away at grad school. Even rereading the letters I wrote to my sister during college brought back a flood of memories and emotions. It saddens me to think that this generation and those to come will miss out on the gifts of those cherished personal letters.
I've decided to take up a personal crusade to save the old-fashioned, personal letter. In fact, I was all set to establish a National Letter Writing Day, but when I Googled it to make sure my idea was as original as I anticipated, it turns out I've been beaten to the punch. It may not be well-known or participated in, but according to the Clements Library Chronicles (the be all and end all of official sources), National Letter Writing Day is December 7. Who knew?
Do me a favor. Don't wait till December 7 to send a loved one or friend a personal letter. One that's more than 140 characters or five lines long. And put it in the mail. With an actual stamp. Be honest, is there anything nicer than receiving a letter in the mail? Abby got one this past week from our summer babysitter who is back at college, and her delight was nearly equal to the joy of Christmas morning. Imagine, only 44 cents and a few moments of your time, and you'll make someone's day. Even better, your letter just might be one they savor for years to come.
4 comments:
So cool! My Pop-Pop wrote to me when I was at college, too, and I cherish his letters as well! I have a big box filled with cards and notes received through the years. I think I'll go through that some rainy afternoon.
I have a box overflowing with letters that Hugh and I wrote to each other while away at college. I sat and reread many of them several years ago. In the midst of raising a family it reminded me of how it all began- lots of memories, lots of emotion. . .I'll have to go dig that box out of the attic again sometime soon! :)
Great post! I'm glad you brought attention to letter writing, which is such a sincere and thoughtful mode of communication. You might check out The Things Unsaid Project (www.thingsunsaidproject.wordpress.com), which is trying to resurrect letter writing in a novel way. Interesting stuff.
Tina
So very true! You've (almost) inspired me to clean out the closet where I think my love letters to/from Nathan are stashed. Someday soon... In the meantime, I'll recommit myself to penning the notes and cards to friends, family, and church members that seem to mean so much. The written word (even more than these keystroked ones) still holds such power...!
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