World Letter Writing Day was the brainchild of Richard Simpkin, a photographer and author who initiated the Australian Legends project. In undertaking the "Legends" project he wrote to people he considered a legend and sought to arrange an interview and photograph. In doing so, he was struck by the excitement he felt when he received letters from these "legends," sometimes in their own handwriting.

Letters have played a very important part in the lives of people, especially those my age. Having moved to Australia in the early 1970s, I can still remember anxiously awaiting a letter from my mother. Indeed, as the one child in my family who was often away, I had the benefit of many long letters that enabled me to get to know my mother in a way that my five younger siblings did not. Letters are also important historical documents for they capture so very well the thoughts and feelings of those who were experiencing those times. Such letters possess an intimacy, poignancy, an emotional power that makes them very special.

There is something about the intimacy, reflection and deeper thought of a letter that makes that type of communication very special. Sadly, the world of instant text messaging is such that our connections with others have become shallower, less reflective, and less intimate. Yet, taking the time to send a hand written letter can be a very powerful expression and is something we should do more often. I remember receiving such "thank you" and "Congratulations!" notes from some of my former bosses and they always left a deep and positive impression on me. I am embarrassed to say that I have fallen out of the habit and must commit to getting back to it.

So, please celebrate World Letter Writing Day by writing or even sending a long email, to a friend or loved one with whom you have been out of contact for a long time. Or, send a "thank you" note to those with whom you work, or a neighbor thanking them for being such a great neighbor. This simple and yet thoughtful kindness will be much appreciated and long remembered.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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