Love this so much. Great tips. In the last few years I've been trying to get into some more sustained and intentional habits of sending snail mail - for thank you's, anniversaries, thinking of you's, holidays, etc.
In the last year I've sent some photos and letters to a great-aunt who is a widow and also was unable to have children. I can't believe it took me this long to realize that since she doesn't have children and grandchildren of her own, she would appreciate extra mail to know I'm thinking of her. Just regular mail outside of the holidays. She was overwhelmed both times in gratitude that I thought of her. These simple things really do mean so, so much -- especially to the elderly, but really to all of us. For years, I've also been writing letters and corresponding with an uncle of mine who has been incarcerated since I was young. He is a tender and poetic soul—full of thoughts—and communicating with him about his musings and experiences in prison are just the best. (He is being released next year!)
I've also recently struck up a pen pal relationship with a dear friend from a former city we used to live in. We haven't kept up much, but both really wanted to reconnect and keep the flame of friendship alive. So I suggested we write letters, as that is a slower and more precious form of doing so than texting or even sometimes calling. It's been a fun, new endeavor.
Beautiful stories. I'm sure you're right, and that your thoughtful mail to your great-aunt has absolutely meant the world to her. And your uncle in prison! Truly you have been following Jesus when you "visited" him in prison with your letters. I love that so very much.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother, who clearly served as a wonderful inspiration to you. What a beautiful and fitting tribute you offer her in sharing your love of writing letters. Can I include your post in our collection of "living unconformed lives" coming out early next week?
I have long been inspired by your letter writing, Shannon. I keep a drawer of letters I’ve received over the years, and they are a journal of a different nature. I am encouraged to begin again—and thank you for the resources! I am also very sorry to hear about your grandmother. Grace to you and your family.
When it comes to the most important and meaningful things in life, it seems like we can all use regular “encouragement to begin again.” I’m glad this post was helpful and inspiring for you! And yes— letters are a type of journal, that only become more of a treasure over time.
I do appreciated your comments on letter writing. I first started writing letters in correspondence to my grandmother as a child. Now
, some 60 years and a thousand letters later I write to my grandchildren. I have found that writing helps me crystalize my learning and what is truly important. Now most of my letters center upon truths that have shaped my life. At times, the benefit for me is such that it almost seems selfish. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
What a great point to bring up about letter writing— it is as beneficial (if not more so!) for the writer as it is for the recipient. Your grandchildren are blessed to have you.
How providential that I came across this post. I started writing letters to several of my adult nieces and nephews in Jan 2024, and strive to write them monthly, regardless if they reply or not. My reasons for doing so are nearly identical to yours. It's a lost inconvenient art that needs reviving, and I am doing my part.
For the record, I've gotten responses. They tell me they love getting the letters.
What a beautiful post and a fitting tribute to your grandmother, for whose loss I also send sincere condolences. I’ve always felt that the best way to encourage children to become letter writers is to let them see you writing letters yourself. That obviously worked in your family.
And thank you for including my book in your list of recommended resources. I have almost all your others listed on my own shelf.
I’ll be sharing this now but I hope you’ll consider letting me run it as a guest post sometime next year. It is timeless and valuable advice! Thank you so much.
Yes, let kids see you writing letters! Our 4 year old has taken to writing "notes" and "letters" and sending artwork in the mail to our family. It's the cutest.
Love this so much. Great tips. In the last few years I've been trying to get into some more sustained and intentional habits of sending snail mail - for thank you's, anniversaries, thinking of you's, holidays, etc.
In the last year I've sent some photos and letters to a great-aunt who is a widow and also was unable to have children. I can't believe it took me this long to realize that since she doesn't have children and grandchildren of her own, she would appreciate extra mail to know I'm thinking of her. Just regular mail outside of the holidays. She was overwhelmed both times in gratitude that I thought of her. These simple things really do mean so, so much -- especially to the elderly, but really to all of us. For years, I've also been writing letters and corresponding with an uncle of mine who has been incarcerated since I was young. He is a tender and poetic soul—full of thoughts—and communicating with him about his musings and experiences in prison are just the best. (He is being released next year!)
I've also recently struck up a pen pal relationship with a dear friend from a former city we used to live in. We haven't kept up much, but both really wanted to reconnect and keep the flame of friendship alive. So I suggested we write letters, as that is a slower and more precious form of doing so than texting or even sometimes calling. It's been a fun, new endeavor.
Beautiful stories. I'm sure you're right, and that your thoughtful mail to your great-aunt has absolutely meant the world to her. And your uncle in prison! Truly you have been following Jesus when you "visited" him in prison with your letters. I love that so very much.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother, who clearly served as a wonderful inspiration to you. What a beautiful and fitting tribute you offer her in sharing your love of writing letters. Can I include your post in our collection of "living unconformed lives" coming out early next week?
Absolutely! That was my impetus for getting this published today--turns out I need a deadline to get my writing done; ha!
I have long been inspired by your letter writing, Shannon. I keep a drawer of letters I’ve received over the years, and they are a journal of a different nature. I am encouraged to begin again—and thank you for the resources! I am also very sorry to hear about your grandmother. Grace to you and your family.
When it comes to the most important and meaningful things in life, it seems like we can all use regular “encouragement to begin again.” I’m glad this post was helpful and inspiring for you! And yes— letters are a type of journal, that only become more of a treasure over time.
I do appreciated your comments on letter writing. I first started writing letters in correspondence to my grandmother as a child. Now
, some 60 years and a thousand letters later I write to my grandchildren. I have found that writing helps me crystalize my learning and what is truly important. Now most of my letters center upon truths that have shaped my life. At times, the benefit for me is such that it almost seems selfish. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
What a great point to bring up about letter writing— it is as beneficial (if not more so!) for the writer as it is for the recipient. Your grandchildren are blessed to have you.
Having a letter writing Grandmother is one of the greatest gifts! I miss mine everyday.
Now we can carry on their beautiful traditions!
How providential that I came across this post. I started writing letters to several of my adult nieces and nephews in Jan 2024, and strive to write them monthly, regardless if they reply or not. My reasons for doing so are nearly identical to yours. It's a lost inconvenient art that needs reviving, and I am doing my part.
For the record, I've gotten responses. They tell me they love getting the letters.
How wonderful! I’m sure they love receiving your letters. What a gift.
We also keep the many letters that come our way and even use them as decorations.
Beautiful idea!
What a beautiful post and a fitting tribute to your grandmother, for whose loss I also send sincere condolences. I’ve always felt that the best way to encourage children to become letter writers is to let them see you writing letters yourself. That obviously worked in your family.
And thank you for including my book in your list of recommended resources. I have almost all your others listed on my own shelf.
I’ll be sharing this now but I hope you’ll consider letting me run it as a guest post sometime next year. It is timeless and valuable advice! Thank you so much.
Yes, let kids see you writing letters! Our 4 year old has taken to writing "notes" and "letters" and sending artwork in the mail to our family. It's the cutest.
Children writing and sending letters is one of my absolute favorite things.
Can you recommend any other snail mail lovers here on Substack to follow?
Elizabeth Cottrell from Heartspoken is a great one!