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The joy of handwritten letters
Thursday, 27 March 2025
Residents share their treasured letters from family and friends, each holding a special place in their hearts.
There’s something special about writing and receiving handwritten letters — the charm of ink on paper, the nostalgia of a time when messages travelled at the pace of patience and the genuine effort put into behind every word. Unlike a quick text or email, a handwritten letter carries the warmth of the sender’s thoughts, making it a keepsake to cherish.
With this in mind, we reached out to residents, inviting them to share the letters that mean the most to them.
Letters that bring a smile
When resident Lorraine from Elliot Gardens was just eight years old, she received a letter that she would treasure for a lifetime. Written by her old family friend, Uncle Kevin, it was filled with wit and the kind of playful storytelling that made her childhood magical.
In his letter, Uncle Kevin spun a tale of collecting false teeth, Auntie Rene’s misadventures in the Brownies, a section of the Junior Girl Guides and secret hiding spots for Lorraine to tuck the letter away so no one would ever find it. To Lorraine, his words weren’t just amusing but also a reminder of the great relationship she shared with him and the joy it brought her receiving this letter.
Decades later, Lorraine still holds onto the letter because unlike present times, reading handwritten letters still carry the same excitement and happiness you felt when you first read them.
The handwritten letter a family friend, Uncle Kevin wrote to Lorraine in 1958
Memories from the 1920s
Resident Fred from Highvale shared this letter that was written by his Uncle Jack O’Brien on 17th February 1924 and was sent to his sister, Cecily Field, shortly after she was married. At the time, Jack was a school teacher and the bond between him and his sister was one of deep affection and closeness. The letter not only expresses his joy for Cecily’s marriage but also reflects the warmth and pride he felt for her. He writes with a touch of humour, sharing his feelings about the wedding, the joy and the bittersweet emotions of seeing his sister embark on this new chapter of her life. He mentions how life felt different without her presence and how proud he was of her strength and grace, comparing her to the lilies she carried on her wedding day.
Resident Fred's uncle wrote this letter in 1926, shortly after his sister, Cecily, had just married
For Fred and his family, this letter is a cherished piece of their family history — a symbol of the enduring love that the siblings shared. "Jack and Cecily were very close, this letter means a lot to my father because of the memories and the love Jack had for his sister."
It also reminds us of the power of words written by hand and how they can preserve emotions and relationships for generations to come.
Residents write letters to each other
Koorootang Court village manager, Michael, launched a great initiative in his village encouraging residents to write handwritten letters to a fellow resident, a family member or a friend.
He explains, “Letter writing taps into three key aspects of health and wellbeing - positive emotions, mental stimulation and physical activity. The process of choosing a recipient, composing thoughtful words and mailing a letter creates a deep sense of connection and fulfillment.”
Resident Annabel, a former nurse, embraced the initiative by writing to the village’s men’s group, whose daily laughter and camaraderie bring her joy. She also reached out to fellow residents, twin sisters and in their mid-90s who rarely leave their homes, letting them know they are valued and cared for. Many residents found the experience uplifting, with one noting how a simple letter can shift emotions and bring a smile to someone’s face.
A simple letter can shift emotions and bring a smile to someone’s face
Resident Annabel with her puppy holding two letters ready to be delivered
In today’s fast-paced world, handwritten letters may not be our go-to way of staying in touch, but there’s something truly special about writing a letter for a loved one. Unlike emails that get lost in inboxes or messages that fade with time, a handwritten letter is tucked away safely in a drawer, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated for generations to come.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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