Preserving Family History: The Power of a Handwritten Letter

I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete. As quick, short emails, tweets, and text messages have replaced heartfelt, handwritten messages, children are becoming less familiar with this traditional form of communication. However, we must not allow this important tradition to die out.

I have to ask…When was the last time you wrote and sent a handwritten letter?

It may seem like a relic of the past. However, we have a special gift. That gift is to help our grandkids and, yes, even our kids discover the power of this timeless form of communication. Remember that feeling when you received a letter in the mail? Handwritten letters are not only nostalgic and meaningful, but they also can hold immense value in a child's life. It doesn't matter if you live minutes away, halfway around the world, or somewhere in between; the power and impact of receiving a handwritten letter cannot be underestimated. Through these letters, we can share stories and experiences, ask questions, and, yes, even provide advice, creating a lasting bond and imparting wisdom in a personal and memorable way.

Let's look beyond the immediate impact. Those handwritten letters also extend to the preservation of family history and traditions. These letters serve as historical artifacts, documenting personal anecdotes, joys, and challenges of our lives. They become cherished heirlooms that can be passed down through generations, providing a glimpse into the past and keeping memories alive.

Regrettably, I do not have any of the handwritten letters sent to me in the past, except for one. A priceless letter written by my mom that shared her thoughts about the person I have become, the decisions I made, and what she wishes for me in the future. I have referred to this letter so often that it is now well-worn with love and tears. Sometimes, I bring it out to feel her close by now that she is no longer with us; other times, to re-read the things she was most proud of about me. Her legacy and mine will be passed on to future generations.

So, how do you begin? Remember what it was like holding that pen in your hand, writing well-turned letters on the page as you conveyed warmth, care, and thoughtfulness? That is your starting point, next share something that you are passionate about and then ask for a response on what they think about that. This tangible expression of emotions creates a deeper connection between the sender and recipient, fostering a sense of intimacy and closeness that electronic communication struggles to achieve.

An added benefit of receiving a handwritten letter offers a refreshing break from this technological overload. It forces children to slow down, savor the anticipation, and engage in a more deliberate and meaningful exchange.

In addition to the emotional benefits, sending and receiving handwritten letters can positively impact a child's cognitive development. We talk about learning differences that children may have, and reading and deciphering someone's handwriting might be an additional obstacle, but it can also help identify learning issues earlier. Even if this is challenging, it can help improve literacy skills as children learn to recognize letters, words, and sentence structure. An added value of language comprehension, word formation, grammar, punctuation, and creativity to form meaningful sentences.

Also, the handwritten letter doesn't have to be a one-way street. Your grandchild can also write back to you. Composing a letter will encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving as children effectively navigate how to convey their thoughts and emotions on paper. When children write letters, they take ownership of their thoughts and ideas. They realize that their words matter and can elicit reactions, prompting them to be careful with what they write.

Depending on their age, creating beautiful cards or letters with colorful pens, pencils, stickers, or other crafting materials is also an excellent way for children to express themselves and develop their storytelling skills.

As I wrap up my epiphany, I hope I have shared the significance of writing handwritten letters to preserve handwritten letters as legacies, exploring the emotional connection they forge, the intimacy they offer, and the enduring impact they can have on the recipients and their descendants. Whether it's a heartfelt note of advice or wisdom, we can create lasting memories, strengthen family ties, and nourish our children's emotional and cognitive development in a way that no digital communication can match.

So, let's embrace the art of letter-writing and ensure that our grandkids experience the joy and benefits it brings.