Spo-Reflections on Letter Writing

I like writing letters. This revelation evokes the same emotional reactions as if I announced I enjoy listening to the wireless. Letter writing is considered a quaint past time from an era long past.

 

Writing letters by long hand makes me feel I am in league with the letter writers of history. We know so much about famous and ‘day to day’ people from their letters. Letters were detailed, articulate, and often works of art viz. beautiful handwriting. Penmanship was once considered a sign of good character.

 

I use stationary with personalized initials on the letterhead. The envelopes are lined. The return address is printed on the flap. Out of whimsy, I use my rubber stamps. When I feel especially giddy I use sealing wax.

 

I have saved letters all my life. I have every letter from my pen-pal of 25 years. There are letters from relatives long deceased. Reading the letters written by my great Aunt Ruth evokes memories far clearer than looking at her photograph. The faded smell of her stationary takes me back to her.

 

My letter collections are tied in bundles by string or rubber bands. They are on of my greatest treasure.

 

I hope the letters I’ve written over the decades are in similar boxes, saved for reading decades from now. Letter writing makes me feel I am creating something of myself that will continue on.

 

I consider letters as a gift from the soul. I try to assure the receivers they are in no way obliged to return a letter with a letter of their own. (The usual emotional response to a received letter is fear; a sense of obligation to write one back in response; as well it should!)

 

Nowadays-letters are nasty business type letters, or ‘form’ letters, either asking for money or presenting problems via certified mail. I used to look forward to the post. Now it merely brings junk, bills, and other things I don’t want.

 

Alas, I have not written a letter in a long while. I too am guilty of email. It is easier after a long day to send off a hasty short email. My stationary sits unused. I can’t remember the cost of a stamp. Even the manufacturer of my stationary has gone out of business – the irony! The stationary shop at the mall is now a computer store.

 

I don’t think a computer file of saved email will ever replace a cardboard box of hand written letters from Aunt Ruth.