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I am moving again this Sunday. I will stay in Indianapolis but will be traveling across town to an area known as "Broadripple", characterized by its young, earthy, trendy atmosphere. My sister, cousin, and I will be sharing a house, promising many adventures and memory-making.
I vowed to "de-clutter" before I made the next move. In the torrent of transition to my first clinical year last summer, I did not take the time to perform this vital step as I moved to Indianapolis. Therefore, I had my work cut out for me this year.
Perhaps the most daunting part of this process has been letting go of the letters, cards, and emails I have received over the years. Behold my collection:
Going back through these boxes of notes and letters, I found ones dating back twelve years to my freshman year of high school! The process of re-reading and enjoying some of these letters and emails (yes, I printed off significant emails as well) was really encouraging. Thank you to everyone who ever sent me a letter, card, or email. I have appreciated these so much over the years!
However, I distanced the strong sentimental urges to save all of them and forced myself to save only one box total. I am proud to report that I accomplished this. Thank you, thank you..oh, thanks a lot.
One thing that struck me as I moved from freshman year of high school to third year of medical school was the transition away from the written word to e-mail. I am blessed to have several friends that still regularly send me cards. However, I send and receive a lot less letters these days. Call me old-fashioned, but I think there is something to a letter that can not be replaced by an instant message, facebook wall post, or e-mail. So, I am going to be the face of change that I hope to see in the world and start sending more hand-written letters again. Will you join me?
6 comments:
J-
I to, am old fashion when it comes to preferring to send & receive hand-written notes/letters over the comic font of the computer. I think it has to do with the time and effort that is put into making contact with the pen and paper, picking out the stationary,using your best penmanship & really being thoughtful with the words that you choose. Here's to happy writing!
j...i'm in for sure. the written word can't be replaced. i love getting and sending written notes. it preserves the patience and intimacy of generations past.
AND...congratulations on sorting through the remarkably HUGE collection of letters. i'm proud of you! :)
I'm right there with you, who doesn't enjoy getting a letter or card? It's like opening a gift! By the way, you will love living in Broadripple! Watch out for the skaters.
I still have old letters and cards from elementary school through the present day! I can't bring myself to get rid of them. :) Long live letters!
I still have old letters and cards from elementary school through the present day! I can't bring myself to get rid of them. :) Long live letters!
Funny, mom was just telling me last night that I need to go through the stuff I still have here in my old closet. It consists mostly of shoeboxes filled with cards and letters. I don't know if I can be as brave as you and get rid of them...
By the way, what's your new address??
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