Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
I found an article on the Hallmark website that begins, “If you’ve got a shoe box full of old cards and letters, you’re definitely not alone. People have been stashing away meaningful notes from loved ones since forever…”
A shoe box? How about two full bankers boxes?
I’m pretty good at getting rid of clothes I no longer wear and household items I no longer use. It’s harder for me to get rid of cards and letters from friends and loved ones. In the last few years, I have thrown out some of the cards, but I still have work to do. I can say that I’ve at least taken the time to organize the cards into folders.
In the age of scanners, there’s no reason to hang onto every card my loved ones ever sent me.
I have cards and letters from loved ones who have passed away – both of my grandmothers, my mom and dad, my mother and father-in-law, and aunts and uncles. I have cards and letters from my brothers and sisters, especially the three closest to me in age. I have letters from my childhood pen pal and from classmates.
One of my aunts recently passed away, and my cousin sent a couple of boxes of pictures and other items that once belonged to our grandmother. My siblings divided up the momentos, which included a framed collection of cards.
A couple of years ago, my childhood pen pal gave me a few letters I had written. It was like opening a time capsule!
One of these days, I will go through my boxes again, relive some memories, and figure out what to do with my old cards and letters. Besides scanning my favorites, I can donate some for crafting projects and give a few to relatives.
Ultimately, don’t sweat tossing notes, cards, and postcards into the recycling bin—it’s not a statement about how you feel about the person. You appreciated the card at the time. You still appreciate the person.
Katie Clemons, The Art of Simple
Innermost Being 