Heartwarming Handwritten

Words by Sue Burns

Last fall, I was writing with my dear friend Barbara about a charming book called Love and Saffron, in which she was the inspiration for one of the two main characters. It’s the story of Immy, a magazine columnist in Washington state, and Joan, a young journalist in California. They connect in October of 1962, when Joan writes to tell Immy how much she likes her column, and their friendship is chronicled through the story as they share life’s ups and downs across the miles.

In one letter, Immy expressed that a handwritten letter “…takes one’s complete focus and shows thought and caring for the recipient…with a letter I must pay close attention. There is unequaled satisfaction in composing words on a blank page, sealing them in an envelope, writing an address in my own messy hand…it’s like preparing a gift, and I feel like I receive one when a letter arrives…” I wrote to Barbara to tell her how much I appreciated Immy’s thoughts, because I feel the same way, and she agreed.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for today’s technology that allows me to be in communication with family and friends, wherever in the world they may be. The ability to text my youngest as he attended college (and now lives out of state) and send photos and memories of my grandchildren to my daughter without interrupting her work is a priceless gift. But I do reminisce about growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, before emails and texts and FaceTime, when long-distance phone calls were cost-prohibitive, and letters were the way we all kept in touch.

Since drawings appeared on cave walls, we’ve written to each other. From the days when letters could take months to cross the ocean to the birth of overnight delivery, they’ve been mainstays and lifelines in our lives. We wrote letters to share news and happenings; to celebrate milestones; or just to say hello and send love. When we traveled, postcards were a must, squeezing as many words as would fit in the limited open space on the back, detailing where we were adventuring and what we had seen, always with a “Wish you were here!”

Pre-addressed, stamped stationery was on every summer camp packing requirements list.

During certain times of hardship, letters were even more treasured. In his writings from Europe to my grandmother during World War II, my grandfather would describe his days and talk about his buddies. He enclosed small black and white photos of himself, and would always sign off by writing “Isle of View”—his cheeky way of expressing his affection and bringing a smile to her face while they were far apart.

These days, the miracle of instant communication by emails and texts has usurped “snail mail.” It is indeed wonderful to type a long, newsy message in far less time, and send it in a fraction of a second. And while most of us would agree that technology is awesome (and that our handwriting is much messier for lack of practice!) I’ll bet we’d also agree that receiving a letter in the mail is still a treat that warms the heart. An envelope with a handwritten address brings anticipation of personal words from a loved one–well wishes or news from their corner of the world. I still like to send birthday cards and notes to friends, especially to congratulate them on a success or encourage them through a challenging time. Picking out or creating a card with just the right sentiment and adding my own thoughts lets them know they are on my mind. Friends have said they can hear my voice as they read my words, and I can hear theirs when they write to me, which is a wonderful thing.

As the holidays draw near, we think often of those we love, those close by and miles away. We can bridge any distance by sending the gift of a letter. Written by hand or typed with our signature, with a photo or drawing enclosed, a shared memory relived, a thank you for all that person has meant in our life—these are words that can be held, heard, touched, and treasured forever.

Barbara unexpectedly passed away in the winter, and I’m so glad I have our correspondence, which I read now and then. I can hear her voice in her writings, and that keeps her memory close. I’ve found this to be the case as I read other letters and cards from the people I love, and I’m thankful for the bundles I’ve saved. In the end, whether the sentiments are expressed on handwritten pages or in a “newfangled” text or message, it’s all good, because whatever way we choose to connect and share meaningful thoughts and gratitude with each other is lasting love, generously shared.

"These are words that can be held, heard, touched, and treasured forever."