Letter Writing Follow-up

In January I wrote about  the lost art of letter writing. Since then I’ve received FIVE unexpected letters. Four arrived together as compact 4×6 note cards, one as a full, typed page. All represent the first letters I’d received in a long time (especially since only a handful of friends write holiday letters anymore.). Let me share the essence of their content.

My “biggest fan” letter arrived from Canada via Arizona. A young dancer wrote to me telling me how much she enjoyed 84 Ribbons and that she identified with Marta, the main character in the book. Talk about being flattered. Ryley’s taking the time out of her busy dance and school schedule to write to me came at a time when I needed a mental pick-me-up for working on the third book in the trilogy. A few words sent can do so much to enliven a spirit.

Note card one and a pack of three together arrived together yesterday.

One came from a friend who said I’d inspired him to write more letters. Tom has a unique writing voice. His enthusiasm and vocal energy floats off the page so you feel like he’s standing there, talking with you. To make it even more special, he tears out photos from magazines and crafts his own envelopes! Last year, a friend talked about receiving one of Tom’s special letters. She spoke of it with such excitement. At the time I thought, ‘ how wonderful to receive an unexpected letter, wrapped in an unexpected envelope’. Now I understand her reaction; I reacted the same way: excited, surprised to get the letter and a bit awed at the originality surrounding it. Thanks, Tom for making my week!

The second set of note cards arrived with an envelope filled with Box Tops for Education (which I hope you save for schools!). Our daughter actually sent three note cards in the envelope. One was a thank you from a young man over his mailed birthday box. (Any time a pre-teen boy writes more than ten words in a note, it becomes a letter!) I understand it was not the easiest task for him to complete, I appreciate his effort and hope writing becomes as easier task, one that he’ll enjoy doing once he understands how much people appreciate his taking the time to write.

The other two notes from the envelope came from my daughter. She told me how she’d spent the gift cards and which novels she’d enjoyed from the box I mailed to her. By far, the greatest gift in those notes were her taking the time to say, “I love you.” What more could a person want to hear? I love you too, Christine!

Lesson: write to friends and relatives. Share your day, your moments of joy and the things that excite you. It will make their day sing with unexpected happiness.