Dear ______,

I can’t remember the last time I wrote a letter, but this is how most of them start: “Dear ______”.

Most times when writing to people now – whether by texting or email – we cut out the “dear” and go straight to “hi ______” or “hello ______” or “hey ______”. A simple salutation is all that’s needed. Sometimes we even skip the person’s name and just go for the welcoming word – a lone “hi”, “hello”, “hey”, or whatever you want to choose. It sometimes feels easy to drop the name since we’re only writing to the one person, no need to repeat their own name back to them when saying hi.

But there’s something that gets lost or forgotten when we leave things out, when things get shortened. I want to go back to that first greeting, “dear ______”. It’s easy to just think of that word as simply the way we start our letters, but it pays to remember that it’s a term of endearment. Sure, it’s an old tradition that has burned its way into commodity, but let’s not forget the original meaning of the word. It’s an affectionate or friendly way to address someone, someone you are fond of or think highly of.

And then you add that person’s name directly after the “dear”, indicating that it’s them you hold that sentiment for. It’s like starting a conversation by announcing how important someone is to you. I mean, when we’re reminded of that, doesn’t it cause us to smile a little bit? For how special is it to have someone who spares a thought in our general direction no matter where we may be, who wants to share a snippet of their life with us, and who in turn eagerly awaits our response? It is through these simple words that we can create little moments between people, despite the miles and despite the years.

With that thought, that is what these letters are for. Whoever may read these words, in whatever way they may reach you, I hope to share that same sentiment with you. It’s something we all deserve, don’t we? May these words meet you as you are, with open arms and eager ears, simply excited to know you’re here.

Originally written 21-06-2025

Accompanying music: Hillside Daydreams by Max Duggan, Mark Sparling