Sorry, just another thought - I wonder if when emailing you maintain that heightened emotional intensity because it is on 'pause' while waiting for a reply? I can see how that would provide a powerful (but ultimately false) state of connection to your T, for you.
On that other hand, with journaling, maybe you processed it as much as you needed to for that moment in time and so can set aside for now. This is a much healthier way or processing material.