Our white board that used to be the "go to" location for messages to and from each other or for simple reminders have been replaced with handheld gadgets that can not only record our written words, but our voice as well...and I wonder!
We have electronic everything...even our signatures can be electronic. Don't get me wrong I participate in all of these technological advancements and appreciate the convenience of them. However, I wonder....wonder if we are depersonalizing our communications with each other and watering down the personal touch of humanity. Where is the personal touch of perfectly formed fonts that leave no room for creativity and individuality of the pen?
I cherish the words of my ancestors not only for the content of their messages, but because their handwritten thoughts are a symbol that they were there, they existed and they made their mark...actually with a pen and paper into my heart. Whether it be the beautiful youthful script of a young mother or the shaky handwriting of an aged grandmother...I have something they created with their own hands.
What brought this to my mind was an envelope that I received in the mail today from my granddaughter, Claire; a three year old just learning that letters and symbols mean something and can communicate thoughts to others. I shed a tear, realizing that her little hands created a message just for me. Her handwritten scribbles mean something...she is here in my life, she exists and her messages make an indelible mark on my heart. I will write her back with pen and paper. My handwritten symbols (that she cannot read yet) will hopefully say to her..."Grandma is here, she exists and loves her very much."
