Comments on: One Letter at a Time

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:42:22 +0000

What a story. Those types of gifts (like mixed tapes) were the ones that I always held most dear to me, if someone violated it like that… that would be the most deflating feeling. I was a letter writer too… although none of mine were romantic… ok, maybe one or two… or a box full… OK but that’s it.

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Heh… a box full. ~W

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:43:39 +0000

How lovely
I have many pen pals and still love to write and receive hand written letters and cards from all over the world.
Love Jeanne ^j^
Blessings!

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Thanks, Jeanne!! ~W

By: sulu-design

sulu-design — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:13:37 +0000

Lovely reflection on episodes of secrecy and betrayal. I, too, cling tight to the letters I wrote and received as a teenager (going through the process of moving had me sitting next to boxes full of them, reliving old memories). So much of what I thought would have shocked my parents at the time I received many of them now seems so innocent and harmless. Often, I think, if parents have a good relationship with their children, their inclination to peek at letters is far outweighed by their respect for their children’s privacy and the understanding that their children will come to them with those things on which they need their parents’ support or opinion. At least, one hopes.

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One does hope… and your observation points to a bigger truth beneath this story, in my case. Its tenuous work, rebuilding a life. ~W

By: saidra

saidra — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 06:04:21 +0000

Oh wonderful…I grew up in a house full of girls only. I never had to worry about privacy because my grandmother used to “clean” my mother’s room, and my mom didn’t go into my room at all unless it was to borrow clothes (we were the same size when I was in high school) One day though, I thoughtlessly left a note in a pocket of a jacket she grabbed. She pulled me out of school to ask me about it…I remember being embarrassed and angry…It still makes my tummy sink just a little bit.

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Oof… I feel you! It funny how that stuff stays with us. ~W

By: vicki

vicki — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:56:32 +0000

P.S. Speaking of privacy- could you please tell me what happens in Harry Potter, last chapter?

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I sent you email. ~W

By: vicki

vicki — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:55:17 +0000

Boy howdy is right. How is a person supposed to get throught checkout when this sort of writing is on the table? This is powerful stuff coming off of five days with my (step) dad, seeing how much he cherishes the words my mother wrote to him and appreciating the trust when he shares some of them with me. Even when I justified minimal prying into my children’s rooms on the grounds that I was concerned for their wellbeing I a) never felt good about it and b) never let them know that I had reassured myself by invading their privacy, Both times. Once with each child. It’s the wrong thing to do even if you feel you must.

I’ll checkout tomorrow, promise. SWAK.

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Yeah, there are times when it’s a necessary evil, I suspect. ~W

By: IZ

IZ — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:01:26 +0000

Your story just shows how important it is to honor your child’s humanity when you are a parent trying to instill values. There’s a good way to set an example without declaring a “holy war”. Your case is one sad example of how things can go wrong. Perfect example of, “provoke not thy child to wrath…” Funny how that part gets forgotten…

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Holy wars are fought on more grounds than we realize. ~W

By: Margaret

Margaret — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:43:51 +0000

I used to love to write and get letters to, but they were mainly pen pals from out of the country. Letter writing is a rare art these days. Great post.

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It is a rare art… I miss getting real letters. ~W

By: Marianne

Marianne — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:42:11 +0000

superb writing and a powerful piece! I feel the need to hug you…

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Thanks, Marianne…. sometimes, especially after a post like this, a girl needs a hug!! ~W

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:49:48 +0000

You are such an amazing writer! All of that letter writing sure paid off

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Amy, thank you! I suppose it did. ~W