Letters To The Past

Six reasons you might want to write to someone who has died

In our fast-paced world, letter writing may seem like a relic of the past, yet its impact endures, especially when it comes to expressing sentiments that spoken words often struggle to convey. Writing a letter to someone who has died can be a profoundly therapeutic and meaningful effort. Whether they passed away recently or long ago, or even if you never met them but admired their work or influence, this act of writing can offer a unique form of solace and connection.

Thanks to reader

Jan Carroza

, who sent me the video below. I was so moved by Jenna Bush Hager’s letter to her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, written 13 years after his death. Thinking about her tribute made me realize there might be several reasons that writing a letter to someone from the past could be worthwhile. I wrote about it on my blog: “Letters to the Past: A Journey of Reflection and Growth.” I hope you’ll go there and read the whole post, but here are the six reasons I wrote about:

1. Finding closure and healing

2. Preserving memories and legacy

3. Connecting with historical figures or personal heroes

4. Processing complex emotions

5. Strengthening spiritual connections

6. Encouraging personal reflection and growth

Can you think of any others? Is this something you’ve ever done? If so, please share the experience and what you learned—about yourself or about the exercise.

Jenna Bush Hager’s letter to her late grandfather

The Magnolia Letters — the perfect combination of letters and reading pleasure

In case you missed my post last month, “An Epistolary Treat from the Deep South,” please check it out! I’ve received the first letter in my subscription in the mail (along with a delicious-sounding recipe for Blackberry Cobbler) and I can’t wait to see how the story of these two women unfolds through their letters over the next year. So do as they say on their website: “Grab a glass of sweet tea and discover the heart and soul of the south.”

Did you notice my new logo?

Shout-out to Daniel Camomile at Storm Hill Media in Texas for my new Heartspoken logo of the heart in a speech bubble — and I’ve incorporated it into the banner for this newsletter.

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Did you know I offer these services?

• Customized help for individuals and business professionals to craft a difficult or sensitive letter

• Half-day workshops on note and letter writing (personal or professional). I also offer a spiritual writing workshop that can be varied in length.

• Presentations to groups and organizations (in person or virtual)

Use my contact form to make inquiries or request more information or send me a message through Substack.

Don’t forget the July 14 postage increase

Stock up before July on USPS® Forever first-class, postcard, and extra-ounce stamps

Here’s the summary:

• Letters (1 oz.) from 68 cents to 73 cents

• Letters (metered 1 oz.)from 64 cents to 69 cents

• Domestic Postcards from 53 cents to 56 cents

• International Postcards from $1.55 to $1.65

• International Letter (1 oz.)from $1.55 to $1.65

Before you go…

The online gods reward writers when their readers engage with their content…so likes, comments, shares, and restacks (if you’re also a Substack author) all help me so much. And Amazon book reviews for my book are super important. Thank you…