Like on an old birthday card or a letter or book inscription, or even just a random note that pops up somewhere.

Seeing something in the distinctive handwriting of my parents or grandparents or others who are gone has a strong effect on me. Visceral, I would say. They seem to be present in their handwriting. It’s still alive, even if they are not.

These days handwriting seems to be atrophying. It loses its character when we use the keyboard all the time instead of writing. And some schools don’t even teach it any more.

Isn’t this a great loss? I think it is.

Topics: script, handwriting, emotional, loved ones, relics, longhand