“There must be some word today
“Please Mr. Postman” by The Carpenters
From my boyfriend so far away.
Please, Mr. Postman, look and see
If there’s a letter, a letter for me.”
As the warm summer months faded into crisp autumns, I stayed connected with a friend from Cozy Cove through handwritten letters. Long-distance telephone calls weren’t an option because our parents feared we’d talk for hours and rack up an expensive phone bill. They weren’t wrong. Over the years, we diligently exchanged lengthy letters, sharing the everyday happenings of our young lives. Our correspondence was filled with innocence, pre-teen angst, and school gossip. With each letter, our friendship deepened, evolving from crushes and favourite school subjects to summer jobs, and eventually, our careers.
Growing up, handwritten letters were the primary way to maintain relationships, get to know new people, express condolences, share news, and conduct business. I even had a pen pal named Horace Ramroop, who lived in the Caribbean. Writing letters was like a slower version of Facebook—minus the cat memes.
A self-proclaimed stationery addict, I spent lazy afternoons in stationery stores, carefully selecting sets that reflected my relationship with the recipient. After choosing the ideal pen, I’d spend hours crafting letters, then wait eagerly for weeks or months for a reply as the letter was physically transported by the postal service.
The sincerity.
Today, people are careless with their words. They type them without thought in texts and tweets, pretend to read them, or leave you “unread”. But letters were different. Handwriting required care, thoughtfulness, and honesty. Each stroke of the pen, the slant of the letters, even the occasional doodle in the margin, revealed something personal and unique about the person behind the words. These tangible details made communication feel more genuine, offering an intimacy that no fleeting text could match.
The anticipation of receiving a letter—recognizing the handwriting, breaking the seal, and reading words meant just for you—added another layer to the experience, evoking emotions and preserving moments in a way that is unmatched today.
The past.
I’ve saved every letter sent to me, carefully tied with string and stored in a box. They are more than just paper; they document meaningful relationships and important moments in my life—preserving the voices and thoughts of those who mattered to me. They remind me that someone took the time to think of me and share a part of themselves, reflecting the meaningful relationships I cultivated. They offer a glimpse into unfiltered, authentic connections—no curated personas or carefully crafted captions designed to gain followers and attention.
The written relics are tangible reminders of those connections, that also allow me to reconnect with my younger self and relive memories I had nearly forgotten. Each snapshot in time is filled with slang, cultural references, and inside jokes that defined my youth, offering a humourous—and slightly cringey—glimpse into who I was and how I saw the world during those formative years.
As I revisited the thrill of first loves, the excitement of new experiences, and the heartbreaks and disappointments, I realized how much these relationships, filled with care and support, shaped my journey. They reflected my own growth, the bonds I formed, and the friendships that influenced me. Some friendships have endured, while others have faded, but each left a lasting impact. More surprisingly, these letters served as a reminder of how much I mattered to these people and how much I influenced their lives as well.
The unique joy.
And when I discovered a box of my grandmother’s old letters, sheesh—it was like unearthing hidden treasure! As I carefully unfolded the fragile, yellowed pages worn by time, layers of her life were revealed. Suddenly, the characters from all the stories she’d shared over the years were illuminated, connecting me to them, even though we’d never met.
The timeless art.
Whether from ancestors, old friends, or significant others, handwritten letters become invaluable keepsakes, preserving not just words, but the essence of relationships. They’re more than just pieces of paper; crafted with care, each one is a labour of love, meant to be treasured and revisited. These letters are pieces of art, painting a vivid picture of our daily lives, celebrating connection and reminding us of the power of thoughtful communication. They bridge distances, preserve memories, and offer a tangible reminder of the human touch in an increasingly digital world. The next time you want to convey something truly special, consider picking up a pen—you might just be creating a piece of magic that will be treasured for years to come.
There’s something about the quiet power of simple, intentional acts that resonates deeply with me—whether it’s the thoughtful crafting of a letter, showing care for your neighbours, bringing a sense of order to your home, standing up for yourself or others when no one else will, or the unnoticed moments woven into our everyday routines. These seemingly insignificant gestures often hold more meaning than many often realize, leaving lasting imprints on our memories and quietly influencing the course of our lives in subtle, yet profound ways.