When was the last time you received a hand-written letter in the mail?
I received one today, a card from my second-cousin with a note and a poem tucked inside. The sentiment was cheerful and full of love, the poem timeless and poignant, the smile it induced immediate. I studied her handwriting -- elegant printing on the poem page with a small hand-drawn heart, casual script on the card above her signature: Claudia Jane.
We are both named for my grandmother, Elizabeth Jane. I carry her first name, my cousin carries her middle name. I feel this connection instantly. Connected to my favorite woman, the one I miss desperately, through to another favorite woman, the one I'm re-discovering joyfully.
When Claudia spoke at her father's memorial last month, she talked about these "ties that bind in a good way" -- family connected through time and space, we drift apart then back together, carrying these things in common that we hadn't even realized. I barely knew Claudia when I was young, but as I get to know her now, both of us adults on opposite coasts, I recognize so much. Creative spirits, activist hearts, mothers of boys -- we see the world with wonder and humor, and we celebrate deep roots in New England soil. Turns out we're both Pisces, as well, and writers who love snail mail... bonus! The last time we talked, she asked me to describe the snow in the backyard; when she met my son, she asked him first about his favorite thing about his grandfather. The poem in my card today is the same one she sent her sons this week; I feel wrapped in that love, too.
I hold all this discovery and tenderness in a simple hand-written letter that arrived in the mail. I'm sure you're like me, receiving mostly bills and credit card offers in the mail, rarely something personal from someone who loves me. Do you remember that feeling when you had a pen pal in grade school? The anticipation of the mail delivery, sitting cross-legged on your bed and reading then re-reading every word, holding pen in hand to write the perfect opening or ask a meaty question. I miss that.
So I'm picking up my pen now and opening a notecard for Claudia. I think I've found the perfect poem to put in it, too.
* * * *
I'm participating in the Slice of Life writing challenge this month, sharing a small piece of each day, in an attempt to restrengthen my writing muscles. Read more about the challenge here and read other Slicers' stories by following #SOL18 on social media.
I received one today, a card from my second-cousin with a note and a poem tucked inside. The sentiment was cheerful and full of love, the poem timeless and poignant, the smile it induced immediate. I studied her handwriting -- elegant printing on the poem page with a small hand-drawn heart, casual script on the card above her signature: Claudia Jane. We are both named for my grandmother, Elizabeth Jane. I carry her first name, my cousin carries her middle name. I feel this connection instantly. Connected to my favorite woman, the one I miss desperately, through to another favorite woman, the one I'm re-discovering joyfully.
When Claudia spoke at her father's memorial last month, she talked about these "ties that bind in a good way" -- family connected through time and space, we drift apart then back together, carrying these things in common that we hadn't even realized. I barely knew Claudia when I was young, but as I get to know her now, both of us adults on opposite coasts, I recognize so much. Creative spirits, activist hearts, mothers of boys -- we see the world with wonder and humor, and we celebrate deep roots in New England soil. Turns out we're both Pisces, as well, and writers who love snail mail... bonus! The last time we talked, she asked me to describe the snow in the backyard; when she met my son, she asked him first about his favorite thing about his grandfather. The poem in my card today is the same one she sent her sons this week; I feel wrapped in that love, too.
I hold all this discovery and tenderness in a simple hand-written letter that arrived in the mail. I'm sure you're like me, receiving mostly bills and credit card offers in the mail, rarely something personal from someone who loves me. Do you remember that feeling when you had a pen pal in grade school? The anticipation of the mail delivery, sitting cross-legged on your bed and reading then re-reading every word, holding pen in hand to write the perfect opening or ask a meaty question. I miss that.
So I'm picking up my pen now and opening a notecard for Claudia. I think I've found the perfect poem to put in it, too.
* * * *
I'm participating in the Slice of Life writing challenge this month, sharing a small piece of each day, in an attempt to restrengthen my writing muscles. Read more about the challenge here and read other Slicers' stories by following #SOL18 on social media.
What a delightful slice.
ReplyDeleteI am participating in #CLMOOC postcards. It is a joy to receive the handwritten postcards from colleagues whom I am finding on net.
I bet you are writing a letter while looking forward to receiving couple as well.
Best wishes.
Purviben
@Trivediziemba
You have reminded me of the importance of reaching out to others with a hand-written note can be so life giving! I must write one today!
ReplyDelete