MY TEENAGE SON, while generally uncommunicative with “the parents,” can be incredibly funny if he chooses to engage in conversation.
Take the other night. Not liking the chili I prepared for supper, my 16-year-old opts to make a bratwurst. I should clarify that, in this house, if you don’t like what mom or dad cooks, then you MYO (make your own).
So there my son stands, before the microwave, pondering exactly how long to zap a brat just pulled from the freezer.
“Oh, brat guru,” Caleb says, turning toward his dad. “Impart on me the wisdom of the ages.”
And so the guru, A.K.A. my brat-loving husband, guides his son through the process of microwaving a brat while I chortle over my bowl of chili.
It is a rare moment when our teen respects such wisdom. Mostly, he considers us completely lacking in knowledge.
But we persevere.
That leads to my second story. Last week I asked and then cajoled/ordered/pleaded/ begged/demanded that my son write “thank you” notes for monetary birthday gifts he recently received.
He’s not ungrateful, but getting my boy to write anything presents a nearly insurmountable challenge. He claims to detest writing and English, mostly because I love writing and English.
“I’ll do it later,” he whines. “Not now. Why do I have to? Can’t I just send an e-mail?”
“Now,” I say, pulling out the thank you cards, address book and stamps.
He tries one more time. “It’s (letter writing) a dying art, like Latin.”
Well, he’s right there, I think, trying hard not to laugh.
But his tactic fails. I refuse to accept his argument, instead imparting the wisdom of the ages that, even in this day of instant communication, people still appreciate a handwritten expression of gratitude.
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
So, by the looks of this blog, a hand written expression is very much appreciated? So, you must have really liked the Valentine’s cards that you recieved from Annie then? At least she doesn’t email you!! Wouldn’t that be scary? I do agree it is nice to get something in that mailbox besides bills everyday!!
Uh, oh. I may have just inserted foot in mouth or mis-wrote when I commented on handwritten notes. Let me qualify that most handwritten notes/letters are welcome.
I fear the brat guru did your son an injustice. He wanted the wisdom of the ages. The best way to cook a brat is on a grill!
You’re right, Neil. Any German brat guru worth his sauerkraut knows that brats are best when grilled. However, in defense of the Faribault brat guru, these were smoked brats and his grill is buried behind a wall of snow on the patio.
Are you grilling brats in Minot yet?
There’s something to be said for a handwritten thank you. I’ve been sending more and more. Maybe I’ll start studying Latin, too.
I think it’s the thought and time, and the truly personal touch of an individual’s handwriting, that make handwritten notes so special. Several of my aunts, a cousin and my mom still write letters by hand, and you can bet I treasure every one.