I've always been rather charmed by letters, even before Hogwarts. When we were kids, my mum arranged pen pals for each of us, a new one each year starting when we were eight years old each, though we still kept up with the ones we'd been writing to. Or, rather, I did. I think my sisters did as well, but James was never too much into it. He's always been more of a doer. But the pen pals were often international, which was a treat. There's so much to learn from people all over, different cultures and thought processes and traditions. I think that's part of why I love traveling so much.
I suppose what I'm trying to say that I agree, it is really nice to be able to talk to someone this way again.
It's a bit strange how life works out sometimes, isn't it? I can't say I blame you for choosing not to take your children on that sort of journey with you, or to be away from them so you could pursue it, but I think if it is something you're still passionate about, it might be worth it to find ways to still be involved, even if it's not competing. Like, as you mentioned, taking on an apprentice. Unless you meant that for your charms work? But either way--even though my opinion likely doesn't matter at all--I do think it's a good idea.