ONE of our sister papers covered a story on two pen-friends finally meeting up after 52 years, echoing a similar story we did early this year. The Wairarapa News covered another feel-good pen-friend story recently as well.
We are reaching the point with a certain generation where we are going to see more stories like this. There's a time in your life when you like to have a resolution, a meet-up. The pen-friends concept is an extremely old concept, particularly with residents in countries where you feel remote. Until girlfriends cured me of writing letters, I used to correspond with several people in other countries.
One remarked that they never opened a letter straightaway. They'd have a ritual, prepare a cup of tea and a comfortable perch at the table, before opening the letter and savouring every word. As good as email is, or Skype for that matter, there is no way it can replace the warmth and genuine love a letter contains.
At the Times-Age, we sit across all generations, where the majority of communication is by email, but not all. Stationery is frequently actual writing stationery, rather than a torn sheet of A4. Even some envelopes are used with attention to detail.
Some envelopes are easily 20-years-old, based on the branding. They've been dug out of a drawer. They sit gathering dust because writing letters is infrequent, but on this occasion, there's something important to say. The ritual of writing done, the letter is taken to the post, or delivered by hand. In doing so, the person has made an impact. They have reached beyond their own sphere and worked to influence matters in their community. In short, they have a voice, and have proven it in writing.
