I have taken the time to write a letter, and send it off this morning.

Those that know me will likely scoff in astonishment and wonder why, since my “to-do” list seems longer than Santa’s in early December.

 

My answer:

Handwritten letters heal.

Outside of a live personal conversation, letters are tangible proof that another person thinks about you more than a casual few minutes; an evidentiary existence that care and thought was poured into a document that was created solely for you and you alone.

I believe firmly that there is an aspect in writing that cannot be conveyed any other way, an aspect of personalization which is tranferred and heals hearts, in ways that are almost tangible.

Holding a letter from someone, seeing the letters formed by their very hand, knowing that you are the sole receipient and the time was taken to place their thoughts on paper for you, heals in a way that is unique.

It far exceeds, in my opinon, a type-written note through email, facebook, or a quickly shot-off text.

 

Those who know me will laugh (and most likely very heartily!), because I joke my Facebook email account is hot it is used so much, and I am known to IM with certain friends into the wee morning hours.

While I am guilty of the above, and thoroughly enjoy the conversations they produce, along with the ease of insta-communication, I would still very much prefer to write - by hand.

Those who know me, also know I have cards and notes that have been sent to me, posted around my house, as I cherish them dearly. I specifically make places for them, honoring those who have taken the time to send them.

 

I think writing letters is a lost art, I feel it necessitates a deep-seated connection which has not been satisfied in other areas. Think back to exchanging notes, when IMing and texting were impossible for various reasons. A ripped piece of paper containing a quickly scribbled message was often kept for days because of the sentiment it contained. And granted, I have been told I am a writer at heart, and I realize that is one of my strongest skills, but I really can’t recall anyone who wasn’t pleased to receive a positive note . . . I routinely witnessed paper falling out of pockets, out of books, or being plucked from some compartment in a person's car. A written treasure; tangilble proof that was cherished. 

 

I used to write to a friend who was stationed overseas. We exchanged letters and cards for years, and that exchange was profoundly transforming. Since returning to the states, we have talked about how those letters kept us going through difficult times, and how meaningful it became.

Personally, it made me ponder what exactly to write, I thought about the quality of letter, and analyzed some of my best thoughts. The humor that we shared also came through so much deeper than any type-written note could have.

I tend to feel as if I am running behind when I am at the computer or have phone in hand, and am extremely apt to type out a quick something which seems irrelevant and contains little forethought or personalization in the same way letters do. I always feel as if I am short-changing and selling out to some degree, knowing if I were to be writing, my thoughts would be more heartfelt and not as rushed.   

 

So, when an opportunity arose for me to actually write instead of email, I became excited about this!

Truly.

An adult letter, because I write a child-letter almost daily, but that is another topic in and of itself.

I know I could most likely write any one of my friends, but the pressure of the question “why didn’t you just email/text/IM me?” would arise, and I would feel silly answering: “because I care about you so much I wanted to gift you something that I am fairly sure you don’t receive on a regular basis, something special and treasurable.”

Honesty always is so threatening. It exposes us, and opens ourselves up showing our vulnerability . . .  

 

 

I sat this morning, and I wrote. A letter to a Physician who is serving in the war.

And my heart smiled.
And I pray his will as well. My intent is that his spirits be lifted from the pressures of his life, while he reads the carefully chosen words I chose to offer.

 

I only wish I could give the same for each and every one of you reading this.

 

Today,
I wish for you
a handwritten note in some form for or from you;
one that stirs your soul and breathes life into the page, the ink-written words emanating love and laughter for/from the person, to your soul.