During the holidays I finally sorted and organised years of accumulated paper memorabilia. Cards from important events such as; birthdays, Christmases, our Wedding, sympathy, baby congratulations (easier to sort when newborn’s name is specified). A tangible family history, most treasured were re-reading cards with meaningful messages.
Then there was a smaller collection of letters. Love notes from our courting days, cards from our engagement months, letters exchanged throughout our married life, a handful of letters from friends and relatives (mostly my sister:) and the jackpot were my grandmother’s letters. My departed grandmother was a prolific writer and wrote many words of wisdom to me after our marriage. It was such a joy to re-read her letters, most beautiful of all was to re-discover a letter she wrote to our firstborn son on his 1st birthday. I have tucked that away to share with him on his 21st:)
As I created order, praying for those who had touched our lives; some briefly, some for a longer period and some who are still a part of our lives, I pondered upon the power of the written word, “the pen is mightier than the sword”. The written word has a mighty strength to bolster, or to wound (I found a few of those too), the power of the written word lingers far after being penned.
Interestingly, the majority of our memorabilia was from the earlier years of our marriage; not only do your first two children receive more cards than subsequent children;) but the exchange of written mail has dramatically reduced in the last twelve years. I know I am guilty of this myself, my first choice of communication today is to phone or email rather than write. Whilst all forms of communication have valid roles, finding my bundle of letters has prompted some contemplation. With Anna Maria away at College I’ve been inspired to take up the lost art of letter writing.
*Visit Jen to view her eye-catching stationery basket.