Why we should write more handwritten letters
I spent Thursday and Friday preparing my mom's home for her return from Florida. No, she didn’t ask, but since I stay there often, I felt the need to help.
She has baskets full of cards and letters. I started going through them to clean the bottom of the basket and happened upon some letters from friends that helped me pause.
One of her close friends moved to North Carolina long ago and began writing my mom long letters, sharing her daily activities, how she managed the move, the kids, and the books she’d read. I loved reading these because it felt like diving into a book. Now that I’m older, the idea of sitting down to write a friend with a pen, rather than a computer, feels like such a gift.
Her latest letter started with, “Since I don’t receive many letters and notes anymore, I thought I’d write so you can receive.” This reminded me that receiving a note from a friend or family member is still wonderful, especially when the note comes in their handwriting. I remember it so well.
The next letter I read came from a 90-year-old gentleman who explained how he used to run 31/2 miles, but it became more complicated, so now he only runs 21/2 miles. I laughed, thinking he would complain about old age but never did. He wrote how he still delivers meals on wheels and how good he feels to help others.
The final letter I read came from a 100-year-old (my high school typing teacher) explaining how she still knits and was the resident of the month for keeping the other people in her retirement home laughing and being a light in their day.
These letters reminded me how important community, movement, and finding joy in the small moments of one's day are to our lives. They were full of joy, hope, and a desire to let others know how we fill our days.
Spring is right around the corner, YEAH! It reminded me that this is a time of rebirth, renewal, growth, and blossoming. We’ve just started 2025, so consider how you want to enter this spring for yourself and others.
