Call me sentimental, but I have a love of all things handwritten.
So when my parents recently showed me a letter from the nanny who cared for my brother and me in France, I was mesmerized. Not only by the beautiful penmanship and age of the simple lined stationery but also by how the heartfelt sentiments transcended time, bringing to mind sweet memories and emotional ties for my parents.
This nanny was my namesake, so to see a picture of her and to be granted a personal glimpse into her life through a handwritten letter from so long ago was a moment to savor.
These were precious years of a young couple trying to make their way in a foreign country, raising small children, and our nanny occupied a tender spot in their hearts, even after all these years. This letter was a testament to that relationship and enduring connection.
More than kisses letters mingle souls.~John Donne Share on X
And it’s also an artifact from my own life. One that although void of memory, I can relive and appreciate through the words on the page and the feelings they produce in my parents.
What else can span that length of time?
What else can stir a heart at the very touch?
What else can flood the heart and mind with such splendid memories?
Handwritten letters and cards have always been an important part of my life. Like so many, I have several twine-wrapped bundles collected over the years, from my husband, my children and from friends near and far.
They are among my greatest treasures, and when I’m going through a difficult time or just doubting myself, I pull them out and saturate myself in the sentiments. Because these are some of the rarest and most profound gifts in this life.
But, I never want to be just a receiver of good things. Like those who have created timeless memorials for my life, I want to be more intentional in doing the same.
I want to slow down and take the time to write the kind of letters that are visible reminders of love and affection. The kind that will offer a lasting hope through challenging times. The kind that preserve traditions and memories. And the kind that will be stored and cherished keepsakes of my presence long after I take my last breath on this earth.
When was the last time you were the receiver of a handwritten letter?
When was the last time you were the sender?
In this space of hectic schedules and rapidly composed emails, we have an opportunity to slow down and intentionally cultivate a richer legacy – a handwritten one of expression and devotion to others, where lasting hope can penetrate and encourage for more than a day.
So where do we begin?
Like anything, we begin by making it a priority.
♥ Create the weekly or monthly habit by adding handwritten letters to the calendar.
♥ Prepare the most conducive space for thoughtful reflection and privacy while writing
♥ Purchase a special pen and a variety of stationery, notes, and cards.
♥ Consider sending a stamped, returned envelope with every handwritten letter.
♥ Place a picture of the recipient within view to prompt memories and thoughts to include.
♥ Explore creative opportunities and occasions to gift a handwritten letter or sentiment.
And just to get your creative side flowing beyond thank you notes and cards, how about creating these handwritten heirlooms:
♥ Pass on handwritten traditions and memories.
♥ Create handwritten blessings to mark each birthday of a child or grandchild.
♥ Keep a journal with yearly handwritten letters for a loved one and present at the appropriate time.
♥ Gift handwritten recipes to family and friends.
♥ Tuck handwritten prayers within cards.
♥ Build a tradition of a handwritten daily journal of compliments between family members or spouse.
Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s get writing!
The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains. Share on XA few of my favorite Letter Writing Tools…
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