I was raised to write hand-written thank you notes to my grandparents for gifts received. I didn't always like doing it... but my Mom insisted. To make it even harder, I usually had to do it in German... which was even more challenging.
When I moved to university, I found myself writing long letters back home with news of my adventures. In turn, I received long letters from my Mom and my sister, and short notes from my Dad, which was very nice.
But then came email... and texts... and Facebook. It's so much easier to just whip off an email or send a quick text... or post a comment on Facebook or even just Like a post. Writing a card or a letter is a bit more complicated. Need the card/paper. Need a pen. Need to think of what to write that will fill the pages. Need to find the address... and some stamps... and a return address label. Whew... that's tough!
But writing letters is somehow more satisfying than sending an email. I can't quite put my finger on it but... I like it. My handwriting has gotten a bit out of practice. But I know the joy of opening a mailbox and finding honest-to-God personal mail inside!! Handwritten and addressed to ME!!! It's something to savour, something to enjoy. Not that emails aren't bad. It's just different.
My 8-year old niece has started a pen pal relationship with a third cousin in Germany who's about the same age. They aren't doing this via email or Facebook. They are actually sending letters and cards back and forth. Perhaps their generation will rediscover the joy of letter writing. Of knowing that the person actually put some personal effort and thought into the art of communication. It's kind of cool actually. And inspiring... that the young ones are rediscovering the art of letter writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment