Letters of Recommendations

I was asked to write a letter of recommendation for one of my son's friends and started thinking about the fact that it is rare for the subject to ever see the letter of recommendation that is written on her behalf.  How many times in life do any of us get to read a letter that is primarily singing our praises?  But the protocol is to send the letter off and not let the subject of the letter know what has been written about her.  I have decided that it is a great travesty.  As we grow into adulthood and venture into the work world, the praise is handed out less frequently and we sometimes forget the positive attributes that others see in us.  Therefore, I've decided that in the future, a copy of recommendation letters should always be sent to the subject.
P.S.  My son's friend will be receiving a copy of the letters I have written on her behalf.