Recently, we attended a family wedding across the country, and it was absolutely wonderful to reconnect with those we hadn’t seen in a very long time. A few members of the family have had health issues in recent months, so making the commitment to attend the wedding was even more crucial. In times like that, we start to realize how much certain individuals mean to our life.
In our busy world, it is often difficult to connect face to face with all our loved ones, especially if they don’t live in the same part of the country as we do. Sure, we have social media channels, our phones and other technological gadgets; however, nothing really replaces the face to face experience of spending time in person.
Often times, misunderstandings and hurt feelings can arise when it’s been awhile since face to face visiting has occurred. Emails, phone calls and texting are wonderful forms of interim communication but not a replacement for the regular addition of personal contact.
We have committed to making regular visits with loved ones across the miles, as a result of the great experience we encountered this past week.
No doubt it can be expensive to travel on a frequent basis but sharing the expenses by taking turns visiting each other’s homes or meeting halfway between respective geographical locations can make a huge difference.
Additionally, moving closer together can make those connections even more of a regular situation if jobs and other livelihood concerns can be met.
Certainly, for some of us, familial relationships are fractured and the desire to reconnect is not of interest or in our best interest to do so, due to abuses and the like, which is to be respected.
However, when those conditions are not the case, it is always a good reminder that time flies by quickly, and to not allow physical distance to keep us from visiting those we love whenever possible.
How do you make connecting a regular experience?
The Cathie Barash Blog 