Why We Remember Letters

Letters are a rare commodity these days. Most of our acquaintances send us a shout-out on social media, a phone call, a cake, a gift, or a store-bought card to acknowledge an achievement or loss. We appreciate that they remember we are on the planet. We feel special and cherish the acknowledgement.

A Gift of Time and Thought

But one form of acknowledgement that slows us down the most is the handwritten letter. Whether it is for a birthday, a graduation, an anniversary, or a death in the family, that handwritten letter is a gift of words that warms our hearts and provides something to treasure long after the milestone moment has passed. We value the handwriting, the ink, the time, and the customized thought that speaks to our hearts.

The Postman Delivered Something Special

I received many sympathy cards when my sister transitioned a few years ago. I valued each card of support, encouragement, and prayer. Then one day, the postman delivered a rare business envelope with the sender’s name and my name written in cursive. I opened the envelope to find a letter from a dear friend who attended the same church as I did growing up. He shared some experiences and conversations he had with my sister. No Hallmark card approached the sentiments he expressed. No Hallmark card touched my heart the way that card did. I shared the letter with all my siblings.

The Impact of Feeling Valued

When we receive a letter, we recognize that the writer took time out of their fast-paced world to sit down to pay attention to us. For the time that it took to write the letter, the writer had us on their minds. We appreciate the sacrifice. It also took time to read the letter. I slowed down to take it all in. The two-fold recognition of what the letter had cost to write and what I spent to read made me feel valued. My spirits were lifted by the letter’s existence and its essence.

Lasting Impact of Handwritten Letters

We never want to diminish the various acts of compassion we receive from our family and friends. They all warm our hearts. However, we must admit to the long-lasting impact we experience when we received that handwritten letter. The sentiments stay with us long after the recognized moment has gone.

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