On my refrigerator is a card from one of my first mentors in education. We met three years ago at a conference; at the time, I was new to gifted education and desperately trying to find my footing. She and I immediately clicked, and we've been friends ever since. I see that card constantly, and it always makes me smile. It's written in her beautiful, formal style and offers words of encouragement and advice -- with a little sass tossed in, as only she can. The card also ends with the exhortation to "email me sometime, will ya?" Unfortunately those emails have slipped lower and lower on the priority list. Every time I see that card I tell myself, "I'll email her tomorrow..."; however, tomorrows have a way of passing us by.
Tonight, though, I decided things would be different. I sat down and wrote her a letter. It seemed a strange choice -- I actually committed to taking the time and effort to catch up with her, yet I chose the least convenient way to do so. However, it was extremely enjoyable to see the words fill up the page and imagine her picturing the sincerity and thought behind them.
Growing up, writing letters was a chore rather than treat. The letters often came on the heels of a happy event, like the arrival of a birthday present. Although I was always appreciative, I couldn't (or wouldn't) translate that feeling onto paper. I remember doing all sorts of tricks -- writing in big letters, drawing a picture -- so that the page was full and the task completed. Nowadays emails, text messages, and social media have transformed communication. U don't even need 2 spell out wrds LOL. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed writing as a kid and still keep a journal to this day. For some reason, though, letters didn't count as writing.
Sitting at the table tonight was a totally different experience. I could have emailed her as she requested, but that didn't seem fitting. She deserved the same effort and care she took when writing to me. Knowing how much she loves writing simply for the pleasure of writing, I knew that sending that letter would let her know how much I've been thinking of her. Sure, she would have been glad to get an email from me -- but the joy of getting a letter in the mail, just because, is far greater.
Tonight, though, I decided things would be different. I sat down and wrote her a letter. It seemed a strange choice -- I actually committed to taking the time and effort to catch up with her, yet I chose the least convenient way to do so. However, it was extremely enjoyable to see the words fill up the page and imagine her picturing the sincerity and thought behind them.
Growing up, writing letters was a chore rather than treat. The letters often came on the heels of a happy event, like the arrival of a birthday present. Although I was always appreciative, I couldn't (or wouldn't) translate that feeling onto paper. I remember doing all sorts of tricks -- writing in big letters, drawing a picture -- so that the page was full and the task completed. Nowadays emails, text messages, and social media have transformed communication. U don't even need 2 spell out wrds LOL. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed writing as a kid and still keep a journal to this day. For some reason, though, letters didn't count as writing.
Sitting at the table tonight was a totally different experience. I could have emailed her as she requested, but that didn't seem fitting. She deserved the same effort and care she took when writing to me. Knowing how much she loves writing simply for the pleasure of writing, I knew that sending that letter would let her know how much I've been thinking of her. Sure, she would have been glad to get an email from me -- but the joy of getting a letter in the mail, just because, is far greater.
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