“In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, we forget what an important part it used to play in people’s lives.”

— Anatole Broyard

Several years ago I received a letter.

It was a thank you card from the principal of our children’s school. She thanked me for coaching the school’s Destination Imagination team that year.

She had thanked me in the hallways, and I knew that she was proud of her students. But I remember stopping whatever else I was doing at that moment and just reading those simple, elegant words. I will remember that brief moment for the rest of my life.

It was a surprise. It made a difference. And it mattered to me.

In an age of instant communication, the unexpected letter may actually play a more important role than we realize.

Who can you surprise with a letter today?

Today’s gift of time … Appreciating the In-Betweeners Day 6 – Dropped a thank-you letter in the mailbox addressed only to our letter carrier. Even if it’s not remembered, I hope it will be a pleasant surprise. (Kudos to Mother Goose for the idea.)