I have been digging through my stuff, as I noted before, and have found remnants from my past. Everything from mementos, diplomas from grade school, photos of times past, and letters. Letters written to me from friends, pen pals and lost loves. When I came across them I was amazed: first that I saved them all and second that there were so many!
I found letters from my big sister in my sorority. She recounted her life after graduation trying to find a job, looking for a place to live, and moving beyond college life and loves to a new place.
I also found a letter from one of my teachers from high school. I must have written him. Doesn't surprise me, as he was a pivotal person in my senior year of high school; helping get through the grief from my sister's death. His words were wise, telling me to listen to myself and not to get caught up in all of the college antics to study and remember to take care of me. What great advice.
Ah and John, his letters were so fun to read. Young love blossoming! I was in high school the summer before my senior year. The poor boy must have really liked me. (I think I liked him too by the way.) Unfortunately, at a time when I had other things in my life that took my emotion, heart and soul away. How can you fall in love when you have a broken heart and your family is forever changed.
Then there was my first boyfriend. I had went off to college and he was at home. He was older than I, but didn't go to college. All of those thoughts and feelings came flooding back to me. I saw the anticipation in his words waiting for me to come home on the weekends in the first letters. As time passed I saw the letters change as did our relationship.
Then there were letters from many that I didn't even know had written me. Oh, how easily you forget. Your life changes, grows, and moves forward. The past is forgotten and we forge ahead to a better place.
So, I know you are wondering, what did you do with all of them? I tossed them! Yep, what else to do. Honestly, it felt good. Purging those letters from my life. It felt like painting a wall in my home or cleaning house by wiping those cobwebs away. Making room for new!
I also realized why I am where I am with my life. Understanding that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of that. I have grown and changed and become the person that I am. Many love relationships failed so that I could be here with my hubby now in this amazing place.
I think I have also decided to write some letters while I am a world away. Some on paper and many on email. Calling friends won't be as easy and skyping might not fit the bill for everyone. There is something about letters that makes you more vulnerable in your writing. It allows you to be open and to capture detail that might not show with the spoken word. It allows you to see the progression of events and the changes that transpire as you read them.
The written word - a gift!
To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.~Phyllis Theroux
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/01/17/the-good-word.html
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