As I drive up to the house, I stop to get the mail in my car. (Just ran six miles at the Y but can’t walk from the garage to the mailbox…) I see an off-white envelope sticking out from the middle and get excited. It’s the kind of mail you know immediately is personal, not advertisements or bills. I flip through and see my name written in the familiar calligraphy-style penmanship of my sweet mother-in-law. I do manage to pull the car into the garage before ripping into the envelope like it was Christmas morning. It’s a card with a beautiful scene of two little girls hugging. But the content is the real treasure. I tear up as I read the heartfelt words she so carefully scripted on both sides of the card. The personally handwritten note is an art this precious lady has perfected.
Social media has enabled us to send messages of support and encouragement to loved ones quickly and without the cost of a stamp. I thrive on the daily support of my friends and family through emails, texts and FB messages. (How did I ever survive before my smartphone?)
But there is just something about the handwritten note sent by snail mail. You can hold it, read it over and over and store it away in an old shoebox. Every time I open that dusty old container, I relive the excitement those personal letters of love gave me the day I received them.
Cards from Nana on my birthday, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Groundhog Day… (seriously, she sent a card for everything… and I love them all!)
Nanny and Mama’s letters of concern and support.
Daddy and Papaw’s words of advice and encouragement.
Missi’s hilarious jokes and an occasional five dollar bill. (She knew how much that meant to a poor college student!)
Going through these precious relics makes me thankful that I am a pack rat!
Today, I purchased some old fashioned note cards and a book of stamps.
Keep an eye on your mailbox, friends and family! But don’t be afraid to park in the garage first and get a little exercise. :0)
