Keeping in Touch

An unfortunate side effect of coming back to the land of the free is my tendency to fall out of contact with the world at large. Something about being between the shining seas gives me the impression of closeness with those that I care about, family and friends. What I forget is that proximity only means so much in a relationship and being in the same country as someone (or even just countries with the same national language) does not mean that I am maintaining a relationship with them.

These broodings were sparked by a response to one of my sporadic attempts to keep in touch. Our first Christmas card in three years made it's tentative way to addresses far and wide without knowing for sure if the intended recipients still lived there. I went on my merry way hoping far flung friends and family would know I was thinking of them and forgive my former silence.

The other day I got a response to a card from an elderly friend who we met while living in New Zealand. The letter was dated for Christmas day and after a brief paragraph expressing surprise at hearing from us shared the sad news that his wonderful wife had passed away. I immediately remembered how I, as a young homesick woman with a new baby, had leaned on her for support. And then, of course, I realized the last time we talked was six years ago, when Maggie was a baby.

I don't want to get so caught up in my busy life that I don't stay in contact with the people that are important to me. This includes you.

I'm a slow learner so I thought I'd start by blogging again. And someday, when I build up the courage, I might even post something on facebook.