The Merits of Snail Mail
When the digital variety fall short46 total reviews
Comment from Cindy Decker 3
Rachel,
I love this take on snail mail. For 40 years my mother wrote me faithfully when I was in the Army, College, hospitalizations, etc. she wrote me almost every day. Last year, when my former apartment was cleaned out, my niece inadvertently (I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt) threw away old birthday and Christmas cards and letters from friends and relatives. It made me sad to lose those treasures!
Your take on snail mail is poignant and very true. I'm sorry about the loss of your brother and other family. It's so special he kept your letters nearby. (I also was so devastated, I tried suicide 8 years ago. I'm handicapped because of it. (Physically too).
Good luck in the contest, Rachelle, with this great entry.
Blessings,
Cindy
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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Rachel,
I love this take on snail mail. For 40 years my mother wrote me faithfully when I was in the Army, College, hospitalizations, etc. she wrote me almost every day. Last year, when my former apartment was cleaned out, my niece inadvertently (I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt) threw away old birthday and Christmas cards and letters from friends and relatives. It made me sad to lose those treasures!
Your take on snail mail is poignant and very true. I'm sorry about the loss of your brother and other family. It's so special he kept your letters nearby. (I also was so devastated, I tried suicide 8 years ago. I'm handicapped because of it. (Physically too).
Good luck in the contest, Rachelle, with this great entry.
Blessings,
Cindy
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I'm so glad you were not successful, because so many times your posts here have affected me. I hope you are in a better place now, emotionally, though I'm sorry of the physical repercussions with which it left you.
Thank you for this touching, wonderful review that has started my day out with a surge of warmth and encouragement. xoxo
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Rachelle, good morning. Thank yup for the lovely words! Your response helped me have a good start for the day. I'm in a good place mentally and I can walk okay now.
Thank you so much,
Blessings,
Cindy
Comment from EeanBlack
I am uh, I am uh, writing this as I feel it. You have me smiling through a waterfall of real tears. Nostalgia through a tried and true form of communication is not only novel in this age, it is genius. The warmth of your friendship shows through the writing. Your last word, "effort" is of great importance to me. I hold it dear for my own reasons. This short story is superior, and it humbles me to read it. It also inspires me.
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I am uh, I am uh, writing this as I feel it. You have me smiling through a waterfall of real tears. Nostalgia through a tried and true form of communication is not only novel in this age, it is genius. The warmth of your friendship shows through the writing. Your last word, "effort" is of great importance to me. I hold it dear for my own reasons. This short story is superior, and it humbles me to read it. It also inspires me.
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I love you for saying it this way. It absolutely melts me. Thank you, Eean. xoxo
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It is good.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
My very good friend of many years often writes me a letter. She likes this old fashioned communication and I love receiving her letters. I have some really beautiful stationery I use to reply to her.
How touching that your brother kept all your letters and I am so sorry for your loss, how terrible that he overdosed on sleeping pills and it was more than likely an accident. I recently took paracetamol and then worried I had taken too much and had to check on the internet in a panic, but all was okay. This news must have been such a shock to you at the time Rachelle.
The art of expressive writing has died because of quick texting and short emails to spread our news. You are right about those special moments when we can sit down with a letter with have received with anticipation as we open the envelope and read words from someone, it is something to treasure. I used to write to my Mother as she could not use the internet. She kept all my letters. Unfortunately my brother read them all when she died and used the information he learned to taunt me! It was an awful time and there was a lot animosity about the inheritance. So my letters worked against me at that time as I shared my thoughts with my Mother. Once a word is on the page it could be read by anyone.
I enjoyed your endearing post Rachelle long live letters, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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My very good friend of many years often writes me a letter. She likes this old fashioned communication and I love receiving her letters. I have some really beautiful stationery I use to reply to her.
How touching that your brother kept all your letters and I am so sorry for your loss, how terrible that he overdosed on sleeping pills and it was more than likely an accident. I recently took paracetamol and then worried I had taken too much and had to check on the internet in a panic, but all was okay. This news must have been such a shock to you at the time Rachelle.
The art of expressive writing has died because of quick texting and short emails to spread our news. You are right about those special moments when we can sit down with a letter with have received with anticipation as we open the envelope and read words from someone, it is something to treasure. I used to write to my Mother as she could not use the internet. She kept all my letters. Unfortunately my brother read them all when she died and used the information he learned to taunt me! It was an awful time and there was a lot animosity about the inheritance. So my letters worked against me at that time as I shared my thoughts with my Mother. Once a word is on the page it could be read by anyone.
I enjoyed your endearing post Rachelle long live letters, love Dolly x
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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My mother's version of your words was: Never put on paper anything you wouldn't want used against you in a court of law. Cynical, but sadly, very accurate. I'm so sorry your brother went to that extreme. I've heard so many stories of the ugliness brought on by a Will. (There was a time when I did paralegal work. Life in the raw like that can be so sobering!)
What a terrifying experience for you with the paracetamol! Oy! My brother's overdose was intentional. He had been unable to gain admittance to the US Army Band, which was a life goal (because of his poor vision, that was such an unrealistic dream) He left a note, so there was no doubt that the overdose was intentional.
I'm not surprised to read that you have beautiful stationery. We'll add that to our ever-burgeoning list of Things We Have in Common.
Thank you for your beautiful review. It means the world to me. Your words felt like a warm balm washing over me. xoxo
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I am so sorry to hear that about your brother Rachelle and he could have done so much more with his life. When there is disappointment, we need support and help as we suffer with deep emotional stress. How very sad for him and for you Rachelle, love Dolly x x x
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It actually broke our family. It's as if we all went to our separate corners to grieve and never reunited.
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How very sad Rachelle, people feel so helpless in these cases x x x
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That's true. Plus, we weren't people who "talked things through." We were all "inner processors," and, obviously, it did not serve us well.
Comment from Jacob1395
I think it is sad that several forms of communication seem to have been lost in recent years. No one I know writes anymore, everything is all done by text and even the way how we text each other is changing all the time. A well written piece, I really enjoyed reading it.
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I think it is sad that several forms of communication seem to have been lost in recent years. No one I know writes anymore, everything is all done by text and even the way how we text each other is changing all the time. A well written piece, I really enjoyed reading it.
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I know what you're saying! One of my huge pet peeves in this texting world of ours is abbreviations like "thx" and "btw." On MANY occasions, at the end of my responding texts to those that contained such, I write, "By the way, what do you do with all the extra time you saved by writing 'thx' rather than 'thanks'? Inquiring minds want to know!" I notice that, in the next text I receive from them, the abbreviations are no longer used. (Subtle definitely is NOT my strong suit.)
Thank you for this warm and understanding review, Jacob. You're always very generous to me.
xoxoxo
Comment from Jesse James Doty
This is heartfelt and true in every sense. I notice you mention the phrase snail mail quite often in this wonderful essay. I don't remember calling it that until the digital age. I used to be offended when someone referred to it as that but now it has turned into a force of endearment. I make time to write letters and send cards to loved ones both near and far and I do it frequently to keep in touch with them. Whether or not they need it they still love to receive postal mail. It lasts longer and has a bigger effect on the person.
There is no substitute for postal mail as far as I am concerned. It lasts as long if not longer than the loved one as you put so well in this inspirational essay.
Thanks for breathing life into the idea of writing letters to stay in touch with loved ones.
Jesse
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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This is heartfelt and true in every sense. I notice you mention the phrase snail mail quite often in this wonderful essay. I don't remember calling it that until the digital age. I used to be offended when someone referred to it as that but now it has turned into a force of endearment. I make time to write letters and send cards to loved ones both near and far and I do it frequently to keep in touch with them. Whether or not they need it they still love to receive postal mail. It lasts longer and has a bigger effect on the person.
There is no substitute for postal mail as far as I am concerned. It lasts as long if not longer than the loved one as you put so well in this inspirational essay.
Thanks for breathing life into the idea of writing letters to stay in touch with loved ones.
Jesse
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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Thank you for this understanding, heartfelt review, Jesse. It felt like a warm hug.
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That's a great phrase for how it feels to receive a card or letter, like a warm hug.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jesse
Comment from Lordinajamjar
This touched me.
You write so beautifully on the subject of good old fashioned letter writing. You make the quill come alive with its scratching and gymnastic swirls dancing across the page. Every performance choreographed and performed to perfection for the lucky addressee.
To read that so much of your correspondence was kept like priceless treasure by the recipients speaks highly, not just of your writing prowess, but of the sweetness and joy that the writer transmits.
I just want to say that I am truly sorry for the loss of your precious big brother. I am sure he was immensely proud of his kid sister.
John
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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This touched me.
You write so beautifully on the subject of good old fashioned letter writing. You make the quill come alive with its scratching and gymnastic swirls dancing across the page. Every performance choreographed and performed to perfection for the lucky addressee.
To read that so much of your correspondence was kept like priceless treasure by the recipients speaks highly, not just of your writing prowess, but of the sweetness and joy that the writer transmits.
I just want to say that I am truly sorry for the loss of your precious big brother. I am sure he was immensely proud of his kid sister.
John
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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I knew that he loved me, but I was only nine so did not understand why that - or I - was not enough to keep him from choosing to kill himself.
Thank you for this lovely review. It melted me.
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Life is a tightrope on which we constantly slip. When we lose our balance we can only pray that our safety net hasn't been pulled away.
Comment from Michele Harber
This is lovely because it's so heartfelt. I haven't gotten a snail mail letter in a long time but, when I did used to write to people, I loved waiting for the mail to come in and looking through it voraciously for letters in response.
I had a wonderful snail mail relationship with a former high school teacher of mine, with whom I retained a friendship long after graduation. I'll never forget the letter in which she informed me that she'd been diagnosed with cancer. We continued writing to one another until she could no longer write or type. I continued writing to her with the understanding that she couldn't respond, but could still enjoy the friendship and the contact. That went on for a few months, until my last letter was returned to me with a note from her husband informing me that she'd passed away. I always hoped I'd made her last few months a little happier.
As you saw, from the card I sent you, I'm still a snail-mailer when it comes to occasions. Yes, if I'm late, or don't have a mailing address, I'm not above sending an eCard but, as you said, snail mail is lasting. I have a collection of "Forever Boxes," where I keep things that are important to me, and they include every letter I've ever received, plus cards from the people who mean the most to me.
You express the reason for and feeling behind snail mail beautifully, and I fully agree with you on this. Let's hope the judges do too. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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This is lovely because it's so heartfelt. I haven't gotten a snail mail letter in a long time but, when I did used to write to people, I loved waiting for the mail to come in and looking through it voraciously for letters in response.
I had a wonderful snail mail relationship with a former high school teacher of mine, with whom I retained a friendship long after graduation. I'll never forget the letter in which she informed me that she'd been diagnosed with cancer. We continued writing to one another until she could no longer write or type. I continued writing to her with the understanding that she couldn't respond, but could still enjoy the friendship and the contact. That went on for a few months, until my last letter was returned to me with a note from her husband informing me that she'd passed away. I always hoped I'd made her last few months a little happier.
As you saw, from the card I sent you, I'm still a snail-mailer when it comes to occasions. Yes, if I'm late, or don't have a mailing address, I'm not above sending an eCard but, as you said, snail mail is lasting. I have a collection of "Forever Boxes," where I keep things that are important to me, and they include every letter I've ever received, plus cards from the people who mean the most to me.
You express the reason for and feeling behind snail mail beautifully, and I fully agree with you on this. Let's hope the judges do too. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 03-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 03-Jan-2025
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Wow, this is beautiful. This is why I love your reviews - they're so much more than just assessments of the nuts and bolts of the piece; they're an explanation of the feelings that were evoked in you.
Thank you for all of this...and from your mouth to G-d's ears as far as the judge's choice! xoxo
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Your piece evoked both feelings and memories. I haven't read Lennore's letters in years and, as much as I'd like to take them down, reread them and relive the past, just knowing those two letters I mentioned are there keeps me from doing it. She's been gone for a very long time, and thinking about her loss still makes me sad.
By the way, even your saying "from your mouth to G-d's ears" brought back memories. My mother used to say that all the time, and I still do.
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I started say that after being in 'Fiddler on the Roof.' I love that phrase.
I understand what you're saying about just having the letters there is comfort enough for now.
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Many, many years ago, my second cousin, Sarah, passed away. She was a very sweet woman, the stereotype of the typical grandmother: plump, kind, and always wearing an apron. I didn't get to see her often, but I always loved her, and I looked forward to the visits. When she passed, her sister, Ruth, invited our family to look through Sarah's personal belongings and see if there were anything we wanted. Sarah was elderly, I was young, and nothing of hers fit my personal taste, but I gladly took a crystal brooch in the shape of a menorah. As I explained to Ruth, I'd probably never wear it (I turned out to be wrong), but I wanted to have something to remember her by.
I look at Lennore's letter the same way right now. Even if I never read them again, I know that she wrote them, so it's a connection to her.
FYI, Cousin Ruth was very impressed by what I said, because she said most other family members just turned her offer down flat.
By the way, I apologize that I neglected to mention, in my review of your work, that I'm sorry for what happened to your brother. It certainly
makes you wonder what he must have been going through, and it's a terrible experience for you to have lived through, especially at so young an age.
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That is a beautiful vignette about Sarah's menorah brooch. What a treasure for you to own, especially because it was of your own choosing. Your sentimental nature carries through into your writing. I think that's what always give it that 'tender' edge. xoxo
And thank you for the kind words regarding my brother. They mean a lot.
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You're welcome. I was saddened by the story, and felt terrible when I realized I hadn't mentioned it, as I'd intended to.
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I understand what you're saying, but it didn't hurt my feelings at all; I promise. I know you well enough to know that you cared. I was actually imagining that you needed time to mull it and would mention it eventually. xoxo
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Thank you for the vote of support. More likely, though, I just need to write my reviews when I'm not half asleep or in the middle of three other things.
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hey Rachelle.
I found this story to be quite touching. You've described how you connect with loved ones using an uncommon tool. I rarely send letters through the postal service these days. When sending special notes to friends and loved ones, I use snail mail. Everything else is followed by an enter key. The way you described your family communication touched me. Your descriptive storytelling created a clear and vivid picture for the reader. I have a large container of non-electronic communications from loved ones and friends in my writing closet. I keep all this stuff they send me. This deserves to win; it's a fantastic story. Its meaning is profound and your delivery is expressive. Good Luck.
Z
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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Hey Rachelle.
I found this story to be quite touching. You've described how you connect with loved ones using an uncommon tool. I rarely send letters through the postal service these days. When sending special notes to friends and loved ones, I use snail mail. Everything else is followed by an enter key. The way you described your family communication touched me. Your descriptive storytelling created a clear and vivid picture for the reader. I have a large container of non-electronic communications from loved ones and friends in my writing closet. I keep all this stuff they send me. This deserves to win; it's a fantastic story. Its meaning is profound and your delivery is expressive. Good Luck.
Z
Comment Written 02-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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You are the most generous of reviewers, Z. Thank you for making me feel so very good about this piece. I was feeling quite tentative about it when I originally posted. I worried that I'd taken it over the edge. So thank you for making me feel that it was "just-right touching."
PS I have boxes of snail mail, too. No way could I ever discard it - and I am NOT a saver. But snail mail and my students' artwork I will never toss.
xoxoxo
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I wrote a poem many years ago titled, "All Life is Memory."
Without the past, we have no future.
Z (waxing philosophical)
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I'll check it out this afternoon when I return from working Bobby's office and my errands. Xo
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It is not on here. I wrote that long before I knew about FS.
Comment from Wendy G
Oh Rachelle, this is such a beautiful and meaningful post, and I truly wish I had a six for it - it deserves nothing less. What a beautiful, sensitive and thoughtful way to help your friend, and you have doubtless been a much-loved blessing to so many, and not only family, throughout decades. Very best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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Oh Rachelle, this is such a beautiful and meaningful post, and I truly wish I had a six for it - it deserves nothing less. What a beautiful, sensitive and thoughtful way to help your friend, and you have doubtless been a much-loved blessing to so many, and not only family, throughout decades. Very best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 02-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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Who needs a sixth star when a review is as loving and encouraging as this one? Thank you, Wendy. BTW, I love your new profile pic! xoxox
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I tried to change the profile pic but on my computer it is still the same. Maybe I need to reboot.
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What?! But I think it's adorable!!!!!
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A new one of Sunny lying on the grass.
Comment from judiverse
This is outstanding, and I like the many examples you give of your own snail mail experiences. That people kept your letters was proof of what an impression they made. The reference to your brother and how he kept your letters to him and they were found after his death. I'm sure your letters were worth reading and real keepers. Letter writing should not become a lost art. It is so personalized. I'm planning a battalion of women who during World War II sorted through the mail to see that the GI's got those precious letters from home. It would be great if more people took up the oft-forgotten art of letter writing. judi
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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This is outstanding, and I like the many examples you give of your own snail mail experiences. That people kept your letters was proof of what an impression they made. The reference to your brother and how he kept your letters to him and they were found after his death. I'm sure your letters were worth reading and real keepers. Letter writing should not become a lost art. It is so personalized. I'm planning a battalion of women who during World War II sorted through the mail to see that the GI's got those precious letters from home. It would be great if more people took up the oft-forgotten art of letter writing. judi
Comment Written 02-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2025
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You are singing my song, Judi, and doing it beautifully. Thank you for understanding so very well what I was hoping to convey here. This review means the world to me. xoxox
