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Losing touch

This week I attended the funeral of a man who I have known since I was 12. He was my singing teacher. And he and his wife have always been great to me. And as I sat there I realised just how long it had been since I saw them. Twelve, eighteen months at least. And I felt bad. A lot had happened for them in that time. He had even been put into nursing care. I shuddered at the thought of not being there for them. 
It got me thinking. For all the time I put into emailing, chatting, facebook’ing, blogging and twittering to stay in touch I had forgotten those that don’t use these form of communication. It occurred to me as I sat, tears welling in my eyes, I had forgotten the simplest of forms of communication. Calling. Dropping by. Hugs. Tea and biccies. 
I had forgotten to stay in touch with my friend. My mentor in many ways. And now he was gone. And his wife, of 54 years is left behind. they had experienced this time without my support. Who knows what I could have contributed. I hope in some ways he knew that the legacy he has passed to me was in safe hands. I hope for that. 
And I resolved to write a letter expressing who he was for me. The care and concern. The training and the life lessons I learned from him. Even the heated arguments contributed to who I am. I want to make sure that she knows how much I loved him, and who much I would do anything for her. 
So take a moment to think of those people in your life, the ones that don’t get bombarded with the daily updates that is social networking. And I ask that you send them a note, give them a call, pay them a visit. Lets not forget those who don’t tweet or blog or fb.
Do you sometimes forget that these people exist? Or are you a call making, note writing love machine? Tell me. Would you? How do you keep the non-webby communication alive?

Suger

3 responses to “Losing touch”

  1. Madmother Avatar
    Madmother

    This is why I did a massive irl friend cull on Facebook. You get to the point where the art of simple conversation dies. You wave and quickly drop a "Hi" as you rush past, secure in the knowledge you know what is happening in there lives from their status updates. Tragic. The written word cannot convey tone, or intention. The post does not give you the full story, not does {{{hugs}}} ever replace the feeling of another human's warmth in times of need.And, yes, I had a few "Why, oh why?" messages. My response: "Realise this is a compliment. I WANT to see you, catch up, talk. I need to re-open the channels of life communication. We need to make time for each other because of the importance of our friendship."'Nough said.

    Reply
  2. Lucy Avatar
    Lucy

    You read my mind.I have elderly relatives in the UK, and old friends of my parents. Who I write to, with a pen and paper ans a stamp. And they love it and so do I.And friends that are not on Farcebook et al – these are the ones I see and talk to and touch. And I am glad.Thank you for reminding me. xx

    Reply
  3. Sheila Siler Avatar
    Sheila Siler

    I bought a book this past summer called The Art of a Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd. I now try to write a note to someone once a week.

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