The Post Office

Photo Credit: article from the Old Sanawarian Society

Rushing through the Birdwood corridors out to back of the building, one could either turn left for the milk break/ladies room area or one could go right, to the post office which looked like something out of a puffin classic. But one would rarely rush to the Post Office, or would we?

Our early years at school were characterised by a certain anticipation of letters in the post. If we were expecting something, then we would often drop by the Post Office to check if it had arrived. But as time progressed, the post office was frequented less and less. We passed folded up pieces of paper with ragged ends and odd messages to one another, but we rarely ever wrote a letter.

At 1,750 meters above sea level, far from the hastily developing hubs in our country, life took on a rather slow pace. A pace that gave us each time to deliberate over the events of our days and narrate them to our parents in long letters. Some of us described each detail and some of us, just a quick note to say we’re okay. But as we grew older, all of us outgrew our uniforms and most of us outgrew our writing habits. But, a few of us persistently wrote journals, letters, or postcards which I continued to receive from one of my closest friends until many years after school.

Reminiscing about a time when things seemed simple, reminds us of the beauty of life. When you happen to take a walk down memory lane, use it as an opportunity to cherish special moments and people who matter. Let 2021 be a year that gives us the time to develop a wholesome outlook on life, to act on our gratitude and, rekindle lost relationships and habits that have made us happy in the past.