I spent a copious amount of time during my youth (hand)writing letters - to EVERYONE, even people I hated. That is no lie. I had a lot of time on my hands.
Anyway, last night, I was thinking about how much I miss letters. I miss seeing written words and signatures; I miss the salutations and the niceties; I miss gently tearing open an envelope and unfolding a letter; and I especially miss seeing my name scrawled across the top of the page, "Dearest Thao".
For a second, I am someone's "dear" - it's too sweet for words.
I miss what the letter represents: a few moments someone has dedicated in their day to me, to us, to keep us connected. For me, this is the truest and most genuine gesture: the gift of time.
I miss reading and rereading their words until I had them memorized - to fully understand every sentiment, every nuance. These letters built the closest relationships of my youth.
It's been years since I've received a proper letter - no love letters, no generic inquiries from old friends - just a couple of words scrawled out here and there as an afterthought, and only on holidays and special occasions.
So, am I just a silly sentimentalist? When was the last time YOU'VE written a proper letter?