3-Word Wisdom 2: Write a letter

We hosted a family reunion a few years ago. For most of us, it had been nearly 40 years since we had seen each other, and for many it was their first introduction to our extended family. It was a glorious weekend of reacquainting and reminiscing.

Of particular interest were the assortment of letters, dating as far back as the 1920’s, penned in our late relative’s elegant cursive - lovingly signed, and dutifully mailed. Throughout the weekend, everyone took some time to read the letters -my grandfather’s letter to my aunt, sharing the tragic news of my uncle's death on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. Another aunt offering the details of her beautiful daughter’s first steps. My then 10 year-old uncle writing a letter to his parents in South Dakota, letting them know that all was well in Canada – his “foster” home with an aunt - during a brutal flu epidemic. On these brittle and yellowed pages were the family history and special moments that carried our pioneer ancestors through the best and the worst of times. This wasn’t a history book – it was our family experiencing everyday life in historic times. Powerful. Touching. Funny. Real.

As she read her ancestor’s personal history, one of my “tween” great-nieces commented that she would never have anything like this to share with her offspring. In that moment the reality of her emailed, texted, Facebooked and Tweeted world set in. Cyberspace had efficiently delivered her news, yet there was no record of it – simply a delete button.

I will admit that my collection of family letters and photos needs some TLC. When I retire, I will organize the contents of the boxes that clutter my closets. Perhaps the same great-niece who was so fascinated with their contents will bring them into the 21^st century by scanning them into some sort of family eBook! Don't get me wrong - I am all for progress. I embrace the ease with which we can stay electronically connected - yet I also cherish the memories that reading a piece handwritten communication can evoke.

3-Word Wisdom of the day – Write a Letter.
Buy some beautiful stationery, and send a handwritten letter to someone special. Take your time. Express yourself thoughtfully and make an effort to show the recipient how much you care. Check your spelling the old fashioned way – with a dictionary. Address your envelope with love and care. Affix a stamp and find yourself a mailbox. Keep in mind that you will not receive the immediate gratification of an instant reply, but enjoy the satisfaction of knowing what your written word may mean to its recipient. Don’t let the art of letter writing be lost on the next generation.