Many articles written for Odyssey bear the title “An Open Letter to …” However, with the rise of technological communication where two people across oceans and time zones can discuss their current endeavors within seconds, how many people still actually write letters? This article is speaking to those who have deviated from the pen and moved to the keyboard.
In my experience, there is an enormous difference between the feeling of getting a text message or email, and getting a letter. College students can certainly relate. Imagine, if you will, you were notified of your acceptance with a text. No envelope came in the mail. No experience of opening the lip, ripping through the paper with the anticipation forming a pit in your stomach that can only be filled with more butterflies. No overwhelming joy when you finally reach the heart of the envelope that excited your own heart as you read the one word you had waited to see since you sent your application: “Congratulations!” Instead, you clicked Open and read a message on a bright screen saying: “Congrats! We rly liked ur application and want you 2 join us at [Such-and-Such University/College]. Send us ur response soon, k?”
Exaggerated? Oh, yes.
But do you see the difference? Albeit, there are many benefits of emails and instant messages, and there still is an emotional impact when all of your friends wish you a happy birthday over Facebook or when someone declares their sadness and support for you in a comment on your post about a loss you have just experienced. This sort of messaging is a quick and easy way for individuals who may not see each other more than once a year to keep in touch quickly and reach each other if one is in a crisis.
However, handwritten letters seem to seep out more emotion than words on a screen ever can. There is the experience -- which I have already described -- of first seeing whom the letter is from and the curiosity of what is inside the envelope. Within that paper sleeve lives a message that someone thought worthy enough to pick up a pen and pour his or her heart onto a page so that it may reach you when you need it most.
I realize that letters have not died out since I still receive them, as does everybody who receives a card on his or her birthday, wedding, or after a significant trauma to the family. However, the occasional letter from a family member or a friend can mean the world to the reader. A letter tells them they are being thought of and that they are worthy enough to take the time to write and mail a letter. A letter gives them a physical copy of the message that, if important enough, can be kept for years and picked up again when those words need to be seen. A letter represents a gripping message rather than passing thought.
The perfect example of a wonderfully easy letter to write is a thank-you note. It does not take much time to write and there is a gift or a letter already in front of you as a reference for what to talk about. It may become tedious if you have maybe a graduation party where all of your friends and family came and brought a gift or contribution to your college fund. Yet, a simple note saying that you appreciated their generosity and that they took time out their day to stop by or write to you. Also, include why you are thankful. Tell them not only that you appreciated it -- because anyone can recite “thank you” -- but also a reason why their generosity made you smile, or how important that gift is to you. This addition will turn a basic card into a meaningful letter, which will mean the world to whomever you are writing to.
If I may, I am going to propose a challenge to each and every reader. As soon as you close this article, pick up a pen and a piece of paper. Then, write a letter to a friend. Maybe a friend you have not seen in a while, one who may need some love and support, or one who may not know that you would do anything for them. Make it as long as you like, but make it meaningful. I guarantee that you will feel incredible once you drop the letter into the mailbox and your friend will feel fantastic when he or she picks up the letter in his or her own.
Remember that the pen is mightier than the sword and that it truly is an indestructible force when wielded by a soldier using the heart.
