Pen pals

Did you ever have a pen pal?

I did! I had two when I was young, and currently have one.

One was my cousin, Melissa. Of course, because we shared the same name we were inseparable at family reunions. 

The second was a girl that lived down the street from my Grandparents. Every time we visited Santa Rosa, California we immediately ran a couple blocks over to their house if they weren't already waiting for us in our grandparents yard. They had just about as many children in their family as we did in ours and we all matched up in ages. It was amazing! We wrote letters and visited and then we emailed and now we keep in each others' lives via facebook and blogs. We don't talk like family or best friends might but my sisters and I have such a special place in our hearts for their family and although we talk about it and haven't followed through yet, I am sure that if we were in the same room it would be absolutely a riot!

The third, and a new one of late, is a girl that i met through friends. She posted one day that she wanted a pen pal on facebook and so we exchanged addresses and began writing. She is the first one that I told about Ben and her letters brighten my day! 

There is something special about telling secrets to your pen pal. Sharing parts of your life with just one person. Brene Brown gave a TED talk on vulnerability and in it she said that posting your feelings on social networks or via blogs, isn't being vulnerable. But calling one person, singling out people that can respond and react to your feelings-- THAT is being vulnerable. It is a powerful talk, and it is very true.

I love writing letters, I love putting pen to paper and even putting a stamp on the envelope. It makes me smile to think that someone will open the letter and that I might put a smile on someone's face.

So, if you would like a pen pal I will connect you with someone who also wants one!

Or find an old friend and write them a letter. Don't wait for anything back, just enjoy what you just did for a friend. And feel the vulnerability of allowing one specific person into your life.