Benedict Cumberbatch, the Love of Letters, & the Language of Love

"My senses have been thrilled and luxuriated in you."

That sentence is one of many I love in that letter, read at the 2014 Hay Festival. I believe a book of the correspondence between Chris & Bessie is planned to for publication to be released in time for Valentine's Day 2015. I do hope so.

If a person responds warmly to your words, it is (in part) because a love of language is also the language of love. For some, they show - and recognize -  love by doing nice things, or buying gifts - or being demonstrative with their affection. For others (like the letter read by Benedict Cumberbatch as British soldier Chris Barker), a person who is able to express their feelings fully - good or bad, serious or sarcastic, in good humor or in grief - and share those thoughts powerfully and intimately? Heaven.

Pay attention to what warms your heart and luxuriates your senses. Notice what makes others "come alive" when you spend time with them. I think it can only benefit you both.

Dear John

May 30, 2014

Dear John,

I've been thinking about you today, trying to remember how long it's been since I first saw you. How many years ago was it? 10? No. Longer than that. It's hard to believe how much has changed since then, at least for me. For you? I'm not sure.

I hate that you and I didn't have time to talk or to try to make sense of anything, really. It's so unfair. You mattered to so many people, not just me.  You are precious to me, even now.  I thought I'd try to make up for our loss a little. I hope you don't mind.