A few weeks ago, my friend Nan sent me an awesome article from The Chronicle of Higher Education called “The Ideal English Major.” Of course, this word nerd, a girl who earned her English degree from the University of Virginia, loved the piece by Mark Edmundson, a professor of English at UVA. 😉
But something else struck me.
Nan didn’t send me a link in an email. She MAILED me the article. Printed it up, highlighted the sections that resonated with her, jotted down a note, and put a stamp on it. Just for me.
Wow. Nan’s gesture meant a lot; I replied with a hand written thank you note.
Fear for the future of letters
How often do you get something in your mailbox besides catalogs and advertisements? When you do get a hand written card, do you rip through that envelope first, because inside you’ll find something that someone wrote especially for you? Doesn’t it make your day?
When was the last time you sent a letter?
We live in a digital frenzy. We don’t even talk to each other any more- we just text. Last week my friend Jean laughed and said, “My iPhone is good for everything but phone calls.”
I know that everyone is busy, that sending a quick email or text is better than sending nothing at all. But we are losing something precious if we only communicate via Facebook. Take a look at these special words:
Our handwriting gives us unique identification; our handwritten words are so much more personal than typed ones. I blink away tears when I read my mom’s note. She wrote that while I was a student at UVA. By then, neurological disease made writing very difficult for her, but I can read the words, “I LOVE YOU LOTS.” Can you see them?
Mom died in 1996. But I still have her words. I keep them in the top drawer of my night stand, along with other cherished “hard copy” snippets from my life.
Why we should write more letters
We can’t let handwritten notes become obsolete; here’s why:
- Handwritten letters show that you care. It takes effort, time, and thoughtfulness to compose a few lines, find a stamp, and visit a mail box. But aren’t your friends and family worth that?
- Handwritten notes are physical reminders of affection. That note from my mom is a treasure; I’m so glad I kept it. When I travel away from home, I usually leave a note for my kids on their bed. It’s a piece of me they can tuck under their pillow until I return.
- Handwritten notes last. Think of everything we’ve gleaned about history from letters. How will future generations learn about us? I doubt that anyone is archiving Facebook. How will we leave our mark on the world if our words can be clicked away by the delete button?
Word Nerd Workout
I don’t usually do this in my Friday posts, but I challenge you to a workout: write a note to someone and mail it. Today. I’ll do it too.
Do you fear for the future of letters? Do you write notes to the people you love?
Thanks,
Julia
I love hand written notes and I have always loved writing letters to my friends .
Yay! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one! Thanks for sharing!
I love getting notes, Julia, and I think I’m one of the few of my friends who actually still do it. When I was recovering from my surgeries, it really brightened my day to get a handwritten note. In fact, I still have all of them. That experience radically changed my thinking.
Best place to find fun note cards? TJMaxx 🙂
I love getting handwritten notes, especially on special occasions. I still keep a bundle of old love notes from my hubby 🙂
Good for you! Those are special.
I have a few friends that I write letters to. One lives in Australia, and we have both moved frequently and have sent each other letters from Vanuatu, Kenya, the UK, and the US. I always love getting mail, and I know she does too.
Julia, I LOVE THIS!! I’m going to share the heck out of it and then take you up on your challenge. There is nothing I love more than a handwritten letter. My grandmother and I used to exchange letters regularly. I’ll never forget the time she sent me $3 my freshman year and college…for a burger and pop. I want my daughters to understand the value behind a handwritten letter or thank-you note. Thank you for this great reminder!!
I used to swap letters with my grandmother too! I’m encouraging my 13 and 11 year olds to make more time to write their grandparents and appreciate the relationship they have with them. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve got to share this one. I love it, and I whole-heartedly agree. I LOVE handwritten letters and sadly, I have fallen out of the habit of sending them due to email and facebook. My children love to write notes and the joy on people’s faces when they receive them is unmeasurable. Great reminder, Julia! And I’m sorry you lost your mom too early in life 🙁
Thank you Amy. I miss her, especially now, when I have so many “motherly” questions. I’m hoping you’ll write more letters- even short ones, because I know how busy you are!