In this era of digital messaging (I mean, come on, you’re reading my rant on a blog!) I would like to advocate for old-fashioned letter-writing. Before you judge me for being a hypocrite, email and the digital age have their benefits, but sometimes relationships need something more, something tangible.
If you’ve ever lived away from your family, maybe for college or overseas in the military, you know the of joy of receiving an envelope or package with your name on it, scribbled in recognizable handwriting. Your heart beats in double-time, your adrenaline makes your fingers tingle with excitement as you slide your forefinger through the seal. Nothing beats the anticipation of opening something, for a second it feels like Christmas – we all know the feeling. But its not just the anticipation, you get to read your loved ones thoughts, endearments in their own handwriting. See the doodles they thought would make you laugh, or smell the perfume they used to scent the paper and which evokes countless memories and emotions. It is so personal, so physical. Nothing short of being with your loved one can beat it.
A letter says, “I’m thinking of you and writing this letter helps me feel close to you – I hope reading it helps you feel close to me.” Maybe there is someone in your life that would be moved by this personal touch? Life is about relationship. So find a new way to raise joyful anticipation in someone’s life today.
Below an excerpt from the lovely book of President Ronald Reagan’s letters to his wife, Nancy entitled “I Love You, Ronnie”. Enjoy…
“Dear Mrs. Reagan
And you are Mrs. Reagan because Mr. Reagan loves you with all his heart. Every time Mr. Reagan sees the evening star or blows out the birthday candles or gets the big end of the wishbone he thinks the same wish–a prayer really–that so much happiness will go on and somehow be deserved by him.
It is true sometimes that Mr. Reagan loses his temper and slams a door but that’s because he can’t cry or stamp his foot–(he isn’t really the type.) But mad or glad Mr. Reagan is head over heels in love with Mrs. Reagan and can’t even imagine a world without her–
He loves her
Mr. Reagan”
