As a journalist with an experience, I can tell you that receiving handwritten letters from our 13-year-old daughter has been a unique and heartwarming experience. These letters, adorned with pink flowers and filled with underlined and crossed-out words, offer a glimpse into her spirited personality. They are a tangible reminder of her presence as my wife and I sit on the couch, watching TV and scrolling through our phones.
Amelia’s letters would not exist if she were with us in Sydney. Instead, she is hundreds of miles away at an Australian school in the bush, where she is immersing herself in outdoor activities, sharing chores with classmates, and living without the distractions of the internet, phones, or computers. This digital detox, while initially challenging for us as parents, has proven to be a transformative experience for our entire family.
Timbertop, the ninth-grade campus of Geelong Grammar, where Amelia is studying, has a rich history of prioritizing outdoor education. Students live in rustic cabins, chop wood for hot showers, and engage in activities that build courage and compassion. This analog approach to education, far removed from the digital world, is reshaping our family dynamics and teaching us valuable lessons about communication and connection.
As we adjust to this new way of staying in touch with our daughter, we are learning the art of letter writing and the patience required to wait for a reply. The distance between us, both physical and digital, has led to a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of handwritten words on a page. Through this experience, we are witnessing not only Amelia’s personal growth but also our own as we navigate the challenges of being separated from her.
The letters from Amelia, written in her own hand, have become lifelines connecting us to her world at Timbertop. They are a testament to her resilience, humor, and self-awareness, developed through long hikes and moments of quiet reflection. As we eagerly await each new letter, we are reminded of the power of words on a page to bridge the gap between us and our daughter, teaching us valuable lessons about the importance of human connection in a digital age.