letters

When I had my first child I was 1.) petrified, and 2.) overwhelmed with the infinite possibilities my sweet darling had in this world. I also became very aware of my own mortality, and that – gasp!- one day I won’t be here to hold her hand and offer my unsolicited opinion. What if I’m gone before she meets the person she’ll marry? Unlikely, but hey. Stranger things have happened. What if I’m not here when she’s pregnant? Has a fallout with her dearest friend? How can I make sure I’m always there for my baby, even if I’m not actually, physically there?

Letters.

I’ve been writing my kids letters from the first month each was born. The good, old-fashioned, pen on stationary and sealed in an envelope kind of letters.

I share details of their emerging personalities. My hopes and dreams for their character, morals, and values. What to look for in a partner and what to be cautious of. What love is, and what it isn’t.

I write to them of my experiences, and what I’ve learned, and what they can gain from my missteps. I share stories of our relationship, how it changes and remains constant simultaneously.

I don’t know when I’ll give them their bundles of my ramblings. Maybe when they’re teens and need to be reminded of my unfailing, never-ending, relentless love for them. Or maybe when they’re adults and can look at their letters with adult eyes and wisdom. Or maybe I’ll die some sudden death and my husband will decide when to drop my letters in their laps.

Letters are a form of journaling to another person. You can also write letters to yourself, writing as though you were filling another person in on the details of your brain that day. This can also be an excellent exercise in developing perspective and clarity.

Do you write letters? To whom? How often? Share in the comments!

 

xxoo

C