Snail-Mail

Friday, June 6, 2014

Today I am grateful for snail mail.  These days most of us do our communicating through technology.  It’s fast, reasonably easy and fast, fast, fast, which can’t be said too much because we live in an instant gratification world.  It’s fast. 

Generally I like it that way, but I do know several people who have “responded” emotionally to an email and spouted off way more than they meant to, causing a lot of anxiety for a lot of people.  I’m usually pretty careful before I hit send.  I may be slow but I’m not completely dense.  Once you it “send” that’s it.  Even if you go to retrieve it and can get it back (like I even remember how to do that, hah!) it might be too late.  Think before you send!

Fast is good, but will anything ever replace getting the surprise note, card or letter via good ol’ snail-mail?  I don’t think so.  Hand write something to me and I’m on your team forever.  It takes some serious thought to craft a hand written note.  You can’t just blab out anything and then delete and start over.  You have to take care.  And while you are taking care, you are thinking not only about what you’re sending, but to whom.  That’s way cool.

 In the last week I’ve gotten some pretty nice things in the mail.  Some genuinely surprised me, which I love.  I got several very kind, beautiful thank-you notes; a couple of cards; a coupon for a pedicure; a theater schedule; a catalogue where I am their most valued customer to ever walk the earth and I’ll get 20 free gifts with my next order; 300 applications for credit cards (to the person with no job); my hundredth Bed, Bath & Beyond brochure & $5 coupon; ten grocery store fliers; and enough bills to paper the pentagon.  I could do without those.

Email and Facebook are great, but as for me, nothing will ever replace the joy of opening that mail box.  Not knowing what’s waiting on the other side is a delightful surprise.  Nothing beats good ol’ snail-mail. . .and I am grateful for it.