Write

I love to get mail – real mail with a stamp on it and a hand written note that is meant just for me. Even though I’m eager to see what’s inside, I take my time opening it, just to draw the moment out a bit.

Mom died in the spring of 2012 and she was the one who always sent long letters, the envelopes bulging with newspaper clippings and old photos she knew we would enjoy or find interesting, so I no longer get many of those; but I do receive cards and notes upon occasion.

Sometimes it’s a note from my sister – the one who has so many of Mom’s old journals and loves to go through them – sharing a tidbit that brings my childhood back in a rush. Sometimes there’s a card from one of my nieces or nephews with a recent photo of one of their own children and I marvel at how quickly they are growing. Sometimes it’s a thank you note and I find out that I managed to select the perfect gift or bake a casserole that came in handy. When times are personally tough, a note from a close friend or a family member lets me know I am in their thoughts. At Christmas I enjoy catching up with friends and family we haven’t seen in years and years – but whom we continue to feel we are keeping up with just because of the annual correspondence. And of course on special occasions like a birthday or anniversary, a card, even if there’s no note on it, tells me someone far away was thinking about me long enough to select, address, and send it.

There are so many reasons to write – do you ever take the time to drop someone a note to someone just to say you care?