To the editor:

I never imagined I would say, “In the olden days ...” 

When my dad said this, I would roll my eyes and think, “not again.” Now, I find myself remembering things I miss: less traffic, milk and bread home delivery and children going trick-or-treating rather than to mall parties. 

One thing, though, I struggle to accept is the absence of writing – thank you notes, letters, cards. What has happened to this most personal gift? Do we no longer think it is necessary to say “thank you” in the old fashioned way? I received no thank you note for my last three wedding gifts.

 On the rare occasion when my mailbox holds an envelope with a handwritten address, I am quivering with excitement. I met an Elmwood Street constituent in 2003, less than a mile from my home. Since then, Esther and I have communicated primarily by mail. She sends me cards about my letters to the editor or mails her annual tatted snowflake; I respond with gratitude for her kindness and maybe an invitation to walk or have lunch. 

 I have every letter each of my parents wrote to me while in college. The personal feel of their script, the paper used, the anecdotes written just for me are treasured and bring back vivid memories, some I can almost smell on the pages. 

 Today, we send e-mails or worse, text messages. We have a generation who may never know the joy of receiving personal letters and may never learn the courtesy of using one’s own handwriting to say “thank you.”

 While some things may be gone forever, other things can be taught and even cherished. In these rushed and hectic times, teaching and practicing this almost lost art might be worthwhile. Might it be possible by rejuvenating this simple act, we could create more kindness, deeper connections and stronger community? Think how simple it could be.

Rosemarie De Angelis

South Portland