52 Love Letters

           
This post is part of a Valentine's Blog Hop! Thanks to Julie from The Spirit of Saving for including Liv, Laugh, Love with such inspirational and creative bloggers!

            F. Scott Fitzgerald penned them to Zelda. Taylor Swift scribbles them on paper and turns them into hit songs. Ten-year-olds not yet afforded cell phones pass them to their beloved in class.

            From texting to twitter, technology has made the once prominent love letter nearly instinct. Sure, Hallmark cards and school-made valentines will still be sent on February 14, but how many people will stick to the generic “Happy Valentine’s Day” to (insert significant other’s name here) on Facebook?

            When we were younger, my husband and I used to give each other cards and notes “just because”. I still sign the occasional card, but now our messages are usually limited to texting. We certainly spend more time together at home now; no one is working two jobs or traveling for months at a time for work. But I do miss jotting down that little love letter in my own penmanship, a keepsake to fold in a book or place in a memory box once used for a pair of Nikes.

            This is not just about Valentine’s Day and romantic words or gestures. I used to write letters to the people I treasure and love as friends. As I spoke with my best friend of 25 years the other day, we reflected on the healing power of both sent and unsent letters. There is something about putting pen to paper, no spell check or backspace at your fingertips, that allows for such raw emotion. She had me convinced, as she read her latest letter to a family member, that it was time to bring back this lost art.

            Valentine’s Day is less about flowers and candy and more about remembering those we love, whether family, friend, or lover. What better way to do that than through the written word?

            My challenge for you is to write a letter a week for the next year. Send if you wish, or keep tucked away in a notebook. Pick someone who you love. Choose a person who has made a difference in your life. Start with the obvious: your husband, children, or girlfriend. Add in the people who matter to you but don’t always get recognized: a co-worker who always supports your ideas, a neighbor who always has a cup of sugar when you need it, your sister-in-law who watches your daughter at the last minute.

            Toss in an updated picture of you and your family, and make someone’s day. Keep a copy of each letter, and reread them at the end of the year. Fifty-two “love letters” may be just what we need to remind ourselves what Valentine’s Day is really about.

            Who will be the recipient of your first love letter? Post in the comments below!

Find many more ways to celebrate Valentine's Day by visiting these wonderful local blogs:

Finding Joy - Valentine’s Brunch Donut Display

This Homemade Life - Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts

OmahaHa - Do this. Not that. Valentine's Day Omaha style

Chicks Dig Deals - Rice Krispie Treat Hershey Kisses for Valentine's Day

Liv, Laugh, Love - 52 Love Letters

Mom Saves Money - Frugal Gifts for Valentine's Day

The Spirit of Saving - 7 Family-Friendly Activities to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Omaha