The Lost Art of Letter Writing

There was a time when people recognized each other by handwriting alone. A slant of ink across an envelope could announce a mother, a sweetheart, a family member in another state.  Before the letter was even opened, the writer had already arrived.  My first real job was working in a bank before there were electronic routing or account numbers.  I was required to recognize the handwriting of all my customers, which made it possible for me to know exactly which account should be posted for a withdrawal or deposit.  Now, checks are seldom written, and the younger generation has probably never written one. Their transactions are done electronically using their phone. 

As an adult, I have always lived away from home, and letters have been my way of communicating.  I started saving my mama’s correspondence, and now I have many years of her letters and cards.   My mail from her dates to the early 1990’s and has survived many moves.   I recently retrieved my box of mail, and I’ve started going through her letters and cards and reading them all over again. It’s been a way for me to reconnect with her life.  She was always cheerful in her letters, sending me funny paper clippings or inserting a joke or a little drawing.   She had perfect handwriting, which never seemed to change, and ended each one with “Love always, Mommie”.

My youngest son gave me a beautiful box of stationery this year on Mother’s Day.  He asked me to write him letters so that he could practice cursively in writing back to me.  I have pulled out Mama’s letters, and I’m using those in my updates.  It allows me to share with him a part of his grandmother’s life, and it is also cathartic for me to enjoy a mindful connection with three generations at the same time.

I hope this cherished personal touch is not a thing of the past.  Handwritten letters carry the unique character of someone’s penmanship and offer an emotional weight that a text or email simply cannot replicate.  In a world filled with constant, disposable digital messages, taking the time to put pen to paper demonstrates deep care and

thoughtfulness.

When was the last time you wrote a letter or card?