letters I have not written

Dear C,

Thank you for sending me your teaching philosophy and within mere minutes of my request! I promised you a letter back in March (March! How has this year flown!) and now you've moved and I no longer have your address. And even though I have not kept my word, if you've held it against me, I haven't known. Thank you.
—k

Dear J,

You are a radiant angel for sending me your teaching statement and for offering dozens of comments on several versions of my own teaching statement and CV. You've always been such an excellent editor of my work, and you've always made it easy for me to send ugly raw stuff your way. I promised you a letter as a reward and I am so sorry for not having done so. However unspoken, my gratitude and admiration have been very real.
—k

Dear S,

How is it that I have not sent any response to the gorgeous card you sent me on the occasion of the new year? Oh, I am ashamed! It seems it has been quite a year for both of us—the evidence of social media would suggest there is a new love in your life? I am so happy for you, friend. I am so excited for you. I'd love to hear more. And tell me more about how your family is doing. I have been praying for all of you.
—k
 
Dear J,

However far apart we live and however different the shapes of our lives, I am so glad that we are still in touch and that I still can call you friend. I told you some months ago that I wanted to get to know grown-up you better than I do. I still do! I admit, I do let myself feel intimidated by my friends who are partnered and have children—I always worry that I am intruding. More shamefully—I see my life as so utterly decadent and selfish by comparison. You must so arrange your life that loving and caring for other people is always your first priority. I don't do that and nothing pushes me to do so, and so I judge myself in order to save you the trouble. I am sorry for that. I will trust you more. And thank you for your prayers recently. That has been so nice. 
—k

Dear M,

Whenever I think of you, I delight in your friendship. You are so generous with your affection and with your forgiveness and still your standards are high and admirable. I admire you. So why is it I put off writing to you? Foolish me! But still lucky me because I will get to see you again soon and we will get to catch up and laugh—every time I see you, my face hurts for hours from all the laughter we share. I am so glad you return to Chicago a few times each year. Looking forward to laughing with you soon— 
—k