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Liz Flaherty's avatar

As a retired postal worker, I have a special fondness for "snail mail." I still send letters occasionally and lots of cards. While I understand the USPS's importance has waned over the years--for many reasons; some good and some terrible--it still matters. Thanks for today's essay. It matters, too.

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

I sincerely thank you for your service, Liz. I am a big fan of the USPS.

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Linda Stowe's avatar

I love writing letters, too. For many year I subscribed to a little magazine calle The Letter Exchange. The magazine contained only ads from those interested in writing letters. The ads were arranged by topic and we were each assigned our very own LEX number. Those responding to the ads used the LEX number and send their responses to the magazine, which forwarded the letters on to the intende recipient. You could continue corresponding with one another via LEX number and the magazine or you could eventually reveal your real name and address. I still miss it.

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Sy Anne's avatar

Linda, I was a LEX subscriber too! I met so many interesting people through it, from an elderly woman who was home bound to an artist in Maine who made her own paper.

I also corresponded with the founder of the group.

I, too, had a penpal as a teen. She was from West Germany (this was a loooong time ago) and wrote in flawless English. We lost touch over the years. I’ve tried to Google her, but no luck.

I’ve always been a letter writer. I write to my 96-year-old Mom once a week, even though I talk to her on the phone.

Cards, notes and the occasional lottery ticket brighten her day.

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Linda Stowe's avatar

No doubt there are hundreds of us former LEXers out there, all of whom have rich and interesting stories to tell.

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Sy Anne's avatar

You have no idea! LOL

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Linda Stowe's avatar

P.S. Good to hear from you!

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Eric Olsen's avatar

Mail is magic! My grandfather was a postmaster so it's in my blood. I think we have bottomed out on actual mail and it will make a comeback like other physical media. That's another comparison to make; between physical mail and physical media like books, records, DVD/Bluray/4K, etc. The tactile has advantages over the virtual

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Bunny Breslin's avatar

The simple act of opening an envelope brings me tiny fireworks.

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Kathleen Cappabianca's avatar

I have an entire “storage cube” of cards and stationary. Love sending mail to friends and family and I, too, get excited when I receive a letter or card in the mail. For those interested, there is a FaceBook group call Art of the Heartspoken Note. Interesting projects on making cards, envelopes and the overall pleasure of letter writing.

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Susan Baker's avatar

Awk! Take a letter Maria!! I give you...This is the Song that Never Ends! My dear friend and I send each other weird postcards or museum print postcards with weird captions added. It is lovely to get mail other than bills and ads!

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Kate Darracott's avatar

I agree, there is something really special about receiving a hand written letter, or thank you card, it really makes your day! 🥰

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Juanita Zorich's avatar

I still send out Christmas cards and birthday cards to family and friends. I do wonder if they are appreciated at times but it brings me joy to send them. Call me old fashioned!

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GDGoodwin's avatar

Love this! Letters are a real gift, aren’t they?! I have some letters my mom wrote to me while I was in college. I treasure them.

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Penny Jeffrey's avatar

I have been sending postcards to my granddaughter (she's now 14) since she was a toddler. Some have been when I was traveling, others from my home in one Cleveland suburb to the suburb she lives in. I remember how exciting it was to get mail when I was a child, and I wanted to share with her. She still has all of them, and still enjoys them.

Although I do use e-greeting cards, I also send some by usps. I love getting mail!

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Sy Anne's avatar

Oh Karen, this just lit up my day!

Somewhere I have written a similar column. I am a devoted letter writer.

From childhood on, I’ve loved fancy notecards and stationery, fine-point pens and pretty stamps.

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Maria Wolf's avatar

Yes, I did get the earworm!

You column was awesome. Thank you!

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LauraTiberi's avatar

I love snail mail and practice its use regularly! I’d love to send you a letter! How do I do that??

(I have been a fan since summer camp as a preteen and having a penpal in high school some 45+ years ago! )

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