When I was growing up I always wrote notes to my mom. I would scribble "drawings" with notes and give them to her almost weekly. My mom cherishes those pieces of "art" still. I have always had a thing for giving people letter and cards during special occasions because I knew those words could always be revisited.
Letters from Dad
When I was 19 years old, I decided to serve a mission for my church. I was assigned to Atlanta Georgia where I would teach people about Jesus Christ. During that time I had limited contact with my family and friends. I could only call home once a week and only my parents. I didn't have social media either, so I could focus on my mission. During this time I became depressed. I felt disconnected from everyone and the people I was living with weren't helping the problem too.
One day I saw one of the girlsI was with writing a letter and all the memories of me writing notes to my mom growing up came back. I asked her if I could use one of her cards to write my dad back home because his birthday was coming up. She gladly gave me one of her cards and within an hour I had put the letter in the mail box.
The next week I received a letter from my dad saying thank you for the card and how proud he was of me. Even though it wasn't in person, I found the words comforting. Having them written allowed me to revisit those words when I was discouraged and would often bring a smile to my face.
Letters to my Friends
After receiving a letter from my dad the girl that game me the card left the area. We wanted to stay in contact so we wrote each other letters. Every week I would receive letters from Katelyn. She would tell me about all the fun memories she was making and would also give me advice. I looked forward to those words every week. During this time I started writing some of my friends back home. Having their words of encouragement helped me push through the hard times.
I have kept every letter I have received because I often go back to read them. It's like opening a scrap book. The stories my friends would tell me, their opinions and feelings, and advice can be found in every letter I received and the letters they received from me.
Letters From Home
I have been home from my mission for a year now and I still send letters out. Even though I can text and call my friends and family, I like to send hand written letters to express my feelings to them. Knowing that they can always look back at those memories that were written down allows me to personalize and cherish each letter written.
Katelyn and I still write each other every week on top of talking each day. Our friendship has been strengthened because of that. I also write my other friends that are serving missions as well to give them advice and comfort when they feel disconnected from the world.
Writing letters seem like a non efficient form of communication, but in reality it is more than communicating. I provides memories that can be looked backed upon constantly.
Comentarios