I am writing to you…

Many people maintain that letter composition is a dying skill. I would beg to differ. Letter writing is continuing as an art form. It enables a feeling of closeness with the person to whom we are addressing our words, and it gives us an opportunity to set out on paper what would not always be expressed in direct conversation. The fates of letters can be interesting. Upon sealing the envelope and dropping it in the mailbox, the author of a letter ceases to have a say as to what happens to its contents – the decision as whether the letter should be disclosed, and how, passes to the prerogative of the addressee. Once the latter is deceased, her/his spouse or other survivors retains this right for another twenty years (by default – unless the deceased addressee’s will stipulates otherwise). Neither the author of a letter nor her/his descendants have a legal basis to object to a letter’s disclosure or publication (…)