I haven’t heard of anyone compiling a catelogue of emails for their children for when they are all grown up.
Perhaps someone out there is saving their 140 character ‘tweets‘ for that soon to be high school grad.
Not sure, but maybe you could preserve your Facebook life in 62 sec and keep it for some day in the future.
Snapchat won’t work given that it self destructs within 10 seconds (think Mission Impossible) and that certainly won’t excite the grand kids 50 years from now.
photo credit: Phil Gyford via photopin cc
But a letter. Now, that is different. As Ms. Pratury says “the paper that touched his hand now touches mine.” You can’t get closer to a leaving a legacy than that.
How?
1. If a letter(s) sounds daunting, try a series of postcards.
2. Write a postcard at major life events (or in anticipation of): graduations, marriage, babies, loss, love, joy, travel,
3. Don’t give up when you find yourself emotionally drained and empty. Take a break. Remember this is for them.
4. Include photos or other special items.
5. Use a large envelope to put all the postcards in or if writing letters, number the letters in order of how you want them opened.
Other suggestions? Do you know someone who has left a legacy through their letters?
What a powerful reminder of what’s really important in life, Barb. I am concerned we are losing the very special connection forged by personal handwritten letters. Thank you for providing suggestions for those who need to take baby steps towards this. Hopefully, each will make it more likely and more comfortable to take up letter writing as a meaningful and regular habit.
Hi Elizabeth, Lovely of you to leave this heartfelt comment. I too share this concern that it can be very easy to miss an opportunity to connect with one another by something penned by our own hand. I am actually working on a project to be launched later this year that will hopefully make this a bit easier for people to do. I would love for you to be come involved. Let me know if you are interested in more of the details.
I write my children a long letter in a birthday card every year and save the in a box for them to open when they are all grown up..
This is a fantastic idea Karen. How long have you been doing this and what inspired you? I would love to know more about this and perhaps do a feature post on your story? Email me if you are interested.
Hi Barb,
What a beautiful post! Some of my greatest treasures are letters I have received over the years, and greeting cards from my nearest and dearest who wrote such beautiful inscriptions. Those tangible items, the words from the heart, they evoke memories that technology just can’t reproduce. It’s nice to know there are still those of us who believe in the craft of handwritten letters. Your tips were perfect!
I’m very glad I stopped by, and I can’t wait to read more.
Alli
Hi Alli, so pleased that you liked what you found here at ritewhileucan, and even more thrilled that you too appreciate handwritten letters. Nothing like it. I like how you used the word ‘treasures’ to describe them. So very true. Look forward to talking again soon.
Thank you, Barb, for always compelling me to stop for a minute, take a quiet moment from this “noisy” life and read your blogs. They are beautifully crafted, thought provoking reminders of staying conscious about keeping the human connection.
This one was a real “choker upper”.
Your blogs always inspire!
Anita
Ahhh, your words are kind and full of encouragement Anita. I am thankful for you and everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings. I probably should include a warning next time “have kleenex box nearby.” Thanks for leaving me a lovely comment.