The lost art of the handwritten letter and the convenience (insidiousness?) of social media and the need to be heard…

I was thinking about this as I took a break in my TOC to write. My wife and I are maintaining a boomerang journal to send back and forth during the deployment. We did this during the last deployment, but unfortunately it seems lost forever as it never made it back from Iraq. I also, as I did for the last deployment, had custom stationary made up. Each Soldier, and those that help us through mentorship, teaming, and support, receives a hand written note from me as their commander thanking them for all they have done.

I’ve never really put a lot of thought into this. It just seemed right. Polite.

As I deal with the problems that instantaneous communication presents to me as a leader, I also appreciate being able to use it to see my kids and speak with my wife. Seeing their smiles and hearing about their days brings me great joy and can lighten up my day.

But nothing replaces that letter or care package.