There is something magical about a handwritten letter. Before emailing and texting became my primary forms of written communication, I used to delight in choosing just the right paper and pen, selecting the best spot for writing (usually near a sunny window), and finding the perfect words to write. I’d slow down and concentrate on the content and my legibility. When the letter was finished, I would feel quite accomplished as I neatly folded it and tucked it into a hand-addressed envelope to be mailed. Days later, I would open the mailbox to find a handwritten reply. My heart would leap inside my chest as I practically floated back to the house to open it with care and read its contents. I might add that when I look back on old letters and postcards, especially from loved ones who are no longer here, and see the unique handwriting of the authors, fond memories flood my mind and heart in a way that computer fonts cannot replicate.
For many years, I also organized pen pal activities with teacher friends in other schools to provide authentic audiences for our students. My learners would carefully write their letters, tuck them into hand-addressed envelopes, send them away, and excitedly await replies. On the day the letters would arrive, the children couldn’t wait to open them with care and read their contents. They happily shared their letters with one another. The smiles and awe on their faces were proof positive of the magic of handwritten letters.
There truly is MAGIC in a handwritten letter. It says, “You are important enough for me to sit down and put pen to paper”. There’s no comparison between seeing a letter in your mailbox and seeing an email in your inbox. Thank you,Tracy, for such a thoughtful post. I hope it will inspire others to write a letter today, too-I know I am!
Thank you, Paula. You right. There is an unspoken message of respect and love in a handwritten letter. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Letters are magic! I agree with Paula. I was a big letter writer most of my life but several years ago life got in the way. I used to have a massive collection of papers, stickers, wax seals, etc. I used to be a subscriber to The Letter Exchange which connected pen pals to each other. In Feb there is a letter writing challenge. I made some new connections this year across the country. Thanks for such a great post.
Thank you, Tammy. Life has a funny way of interrupting the flow, doesn’t it? I’d love to learn more about the Letter Exchange!
I totally agree with all of the above. I really connected with your memory of choosing just the right paper and pen for every letter, along with the thrill of receiving mail.
I don’t want handwritten communication to become a lost art– that’s one reason why I insist that my students keep writing notebooks, even in this digital age.
I agree, Tracey. It truly is an art. I feel cursive writing is, too. I teach it in my writing classes. My students also keep writing notebooks. It has the added bonus of giving the technology a rest!
Totally agree. Handwritten letters and notes are the best. Wish I’d kep all I received growing up. And in the classroom, we can really get a sense of student voice when they write letters.
I completely agree! Even reluctant writers will often give glimpses of their voice in letters.
Tracy – Your post today sparked a welcome memory about a best childhood friend, Kevin, from whom I moved away when I was 14. He and I wrote to each other all through high school, and then into college. I wish I still had those letters. (My wife accidentally threw them out!). We certainly have lost the craft of letter writing as a culture.
Thanks for writing!
How wonderful that you kept in contact through letters for all of those years. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
When I was in college, I still wrote handwritten letters to my friends. I was one of the two out of the eight who went away to college. I still have handwritten notes from junior and high school. There is just something intimate and personal about handwritten messages.
I agree, Leigh Anne. All of my notes and letters have long since disappeared (except a few from very close loved ones and my husband). Every time I view any of the remaining letters I have, they never fail to put a smile on my face and take me away for a few moments. Thank you for reading.