I have now attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper exactly what one would say to the same person by word of mouth.

Jane Austen

When visiting one Christmas, Mom brought a bag of everything she had cleaned out of the drawer of my bedside table. Among the pictures and momentos were the letters sent to me during my college years by friends and family. I am so thankful I didn’t throw them away and that they made their way back to me. I haven’t sent Matthew a card, note, or care package at school; I don’t think he knows his mailbox combination. Texts and emails have taken the place of the hand-written letter. Letter writing is a lost art. Both the words and script carry such meaning and capture history. It makes me sad that this art form is becoming obsolete. It is something I would like to do more of

These letters are priceless. They contain the voices of some of the people I love the most, both livng and deceased. Their words make me smile, and if they are no longer on this earth, they come back to life for a moment. I am so grateful I have these memories. I continue to save notes and cards that you send me. They are irreplaceable. I bought a box years ago to hold them and finally finished the project of putting them all together. I guess it was the right time to read them and give them a place to rest.

Let’s start with the wisdom of Mom. She sent a care package during freshman finals week and included a sticky post on each item. Mom, your creativity shines and you are an artist with your thoughtful gift giving.

Even across the miles, you continued to show your caring:

“An apple away keeps the doctor away.”

“Some Chex mix with raisins of course will make the hours of study more bearable.”

“Suck on a candy cane instead of chewing your nails.”

“When you’re feeling down, have a home-made cookie filled with love.”

“I’ll talk to you later this week. Have fun Thursday but use common sense.”

Sharon Duggan, Mom

I love Kathy’s notes. They are consice, direct, and written on the fly. Sound familiar? She always found the time to drop something in the mail when I needed it.

“The black cotton dress needs to be hand washed or dry cleaned and the bow should be tacked back in the corner. It should hand wash OK + just press it. Have fun! K”

“Sorry I don’t have time for a letter but I hope you enjoy these. I’ll call you soon. Thanks so much for the gift. Dave liked his tie. His B-Day is Oct. 8. His surprise party was fun. Love, Kath”

Kathleen Duggan Trimble, Sister

Ah, and what do I say about the next two characters. They wrote regularly, filling me in on the day’s details, updating me on family members, and giving the weather report. When I see their writing, it is like they are with me: listening, supporting, and cheering me on as they always did.

“When the winter is over I will have to take this typewriter to Oneonta to be fixed, as the typing is better than my writing. Call collect anytime. It is better than my trying to get you. I hear Kathy is Condo hunting. She must be doing well in her job.”

“Terry was thrilled to get his BC hat last week…Call me collect at home when you want. 9145864517. All my love and prayers, Nana.”

Margaret Duggan, Nana

“Dear Sheila- Congratulations on your medal for skiing. Perhpas we’ll watch you in the Olympics some day.”

“I talked to your Mom yesterday and they are going to Kathy’s for her birthday on Saturday. They are bringing the green rug for the living room. The room echoed with the bare floor.”

Jane Zieman, Grandma

And then there are the people who become your family and treat you as one of their own.

I will hear all of you as I walk!