In recent years the computer has become the way to communicate. Letters or cards in the mail seem to have fallen by the wayside. Even though I enjoy getting e-mails in a split second, I also enjoy the letters I receive by snail mail. Something I can reread over and over and over. I am a sentimental person. I keep letters and cards. I like to get them out and think about the person who sent it to me (quite a few have since passed away).
I learned this morning that my longtime neighbor in Ohio (I live in Illinois) passed away at the age of 90. Bud has lived next door to my parents my whole entire life (over 50 yrs.). I am so thankful that I had sent Bud a snail mail birthday card for his 90th birthday on September 1st. That also happened to be his 63rd wedding anniversary - and I sent a card for that too. I cherish the letters that I exchange with MaryEllen, his wife. In fact, I just got one last week. ;D
I would just mention that you especially remember the older generation who maybe doesn't own a computer and isn't up on e-mail, etc. Remember them with a card or letter sent the old fashion way . . . snail mail. A thinking of you card will mean the world to them. You will brighten their day more than you know! Not only the older generation but the young children too. Who doesn't like to get a surprise card or something in the mail with their name on it? (unless it's a bill ::)). I know our son looks for snail mail birthday cards - it means a lot to him that he is remembered.
Bucky
Thanks for the reminder Bucky. I too treasure letters and cards. I have a special box for postcards to live in once they've had their sojourn on the fridge door!
My daughter Ruby exchanges letters with schoolfriends now they're all at different universities. They keep in touch via Face Book, Skype, texts and email, but she also checks her pigeon hole in college every day just in case a letter has arrived. There's something special about reading and re-reading letters.
Chickpea xxx
Bucky,
I like keeping in touch on the internet...because it is quick and I have been back in touch with so many people from over the years. BUT I do understand what you are saying..I too have MANY old cards, postcards and letters that I enjoy reading over and over...so they do hold a special place!
It was so nice to hear that you sent your neighbor some cards that he got to enjoy before he passed....makes you feel good that you took the time and sent them to someone who enjoyed them doesn't it?
Hi Bucky,
Got to say I'm with you. I love getting letters and such through the mail too!
Patze
Hey Bucky,
Great reminder. Thanks!
I sent messages, pictures, and a halloween card to my grandbabies yesterday.
I am sure correspondence with your elderly pals means very much to them. Good for you Bucky!
kimbo
It is getting harder and harder to find a variety of nice stationery and cards to use for snail mail, so I collect ones I like when I see them and keep them on hand. Another thing that has gone the way of the dinosaurs is hand-written thank you notes for dinners, parties, presents, or just little kindnesses. They don't have to be long, just sincere.
Genko
Genko,
I agree on the hand written thank you notes. I can think of five different occasions this year that we gave gifts or cards with checks in them and didn't receive a thank you note! To me, a spoken thank you when you are handed the gift isn't enough. At least not the way I was taught by my mother.
For those of you who have Dollar General stores nearby, they have really nice cards for 50c or a $1. I tell my hubby to get my cards there. Other "speciality" card shops have nice cards too, but Dollar General cards are just as nice and at a fraction of the cost of the other card shops. Check them out the next time you are out and about. ;D
Bucky
I agree on the hand written thank you notes....very few people seem to do them anymore! When I was young...my parents would make us sit down and write a short note if someone gave us something such as a gift...money..etc. It was taught that it was the right thing to do...and I still believe its important especially in big occasions like weddings, showers etc.
Ah, the hand written thank you notes! Love 'em, seldom see them anymore (sometimes get an occasional verbal thank you, but that's about it).
Oh, and Bucky, I too get a lot of my cards at the dollar store, the only way I can send give out so many of them! :D
Patze
I am with you Bucky. Some things just seem more meaningful when you write them out by hand and put your signature to it. I especially think of this when sending condolences. The new trend is to sign the guestbook on line for someone who has passed away. I only do this if there is no way I can find their mailing address. To me that personal sympathy card means so much more. I still send cards to my grown children on holidays and birthdays. It is a tradition that we both enjoy. They would wonder if they didn't get that card from Mom and Dad. I do my part to keep the post office from going under LOL.
Salsen,
I totally agree on the condolences being hand written and mailed thru the post office. In fact, just yesterday I sat and sat staring at the blank piece of paper before me trying to write a condolence letter to my neighbor in Ohio whose husband passed away this week. I no longer live next door to them, but my Dad still does. When I finished the letter, it was three pages long. I know MaryEllen will read and re-read the card and letter several times. Yesterday and today I have been teary eyed that I can't be there to offer my support to MaryEllen and her family who have come in from various states. Being 500 miles away is always hard when things like this happen. All of my relatives are in Ohio and it would be impossible for me to travel back and forth all the time.
I have mentioned before that I like to save things. In fact, I have the card that my neighbors (same ones as above) in Ohio gave my parents when I was born (52 yrs. ago)!! I have several of the baby congratulation cards my parents received for my birth. In those cards are the hand written congratulations from relatives and friends who are no longer here. I will keep them all the days of my life.
Today, for less than a $1, (includes card and postage) a memory to last a lifetime can be sent and received. ;D
Bucky
I just had to say I really agree about getting cards or a handwritten note. When I first became ill and the whirlwind that went with it I got the nicest card in the mail from my girlfriend, this is a friend I talk to all the time. Her sending me that card really did lift my spirts and I still look at it from time to time when I am down.
:D
Proudmom
Very well put Bucky!
Patze