Over
the next few weeks, I’m planning on starting a letter-writing
campaign.
Might
need to stop right there. It’s not really a campaign. Plus, when
you say letter-writing campaign people tend to think you’re upset
about something. None of that is the case at all. Instead, I’ve
just come to the realization that I need to begin reaching out
to people more regularly.
Maybe
it’s technology. I’d love to have something to blame, and that
sure seems like an easy place to direct my accusations. Text messages.
E-mails. Social media. So many ways to stay in touch with people,
most quick and convenient and completely lacking true connections.
But that wouldn’t be fair. Because even though it’s easier, it
doesn’t mean I’m actually making as many phone calls or writing
as many e-mails as I would like to be. And they don’t have to
be empty gestures.
No,
I need to accept the idea that I haven’t been as good about staying
in touch with people as I want to be. And rather than coming up
with even more rationalizations for why I can delay contact for
another day, I’m thinking it’s about time to write some letters.
Now
before anyone goes and gets too excited—trying to find special
paper or debating fonts to return what you’re certain is being
sent—I’m not going to be sending out messages to everyone. At
least not immediately. And those that get them will get different
types. There will be phone calls for some. There will be e-mails
for others. Might send a card to a couple of people. A few might
have letters arrive thanks to the good old-fashioned mail.
Point
is, I’m trying. I’m trying to get better.
Many
people that have been coming to my web site for a while have heard
stories before…
I
talk about how inexpensive a stamp is for the service involved.
Seriously, and I stand by this thought, it is incredible that
I can drop an envelope into a bin while standing in Rhode Island
and for less than a dollar someone will deliver that envelope
to a specific address in Washington.
I
talk about how good I used to be at sending letters. When I was
in college, phone calls cost money. Phone calls are nice, long
distance calling bills are not. I sent letters. Stayed in touch
with family and friends. Clipped out newspaper articles and shared
photographs.
I
have stories and opinions. And people will tell me about all the
options there are for free video calling around the world… and
people will tell me about attaching a digital image to an e-mail…
and people will tell me about online content and links. They will
not change the warmth of a story or the cherished opinion that
goes along with the idea that simply says I’m thinking about you
and wanted to say hello.
And
so, I’m going to try and get back into the swing of things. I’m
hoping many of the people I take time to connect with return the
gesture. I want to know how they’re doing, personally and professionally.
I want to reminisce about what’s old, and I want to discover what’s
new. I’m going to invest the time because they’re worth the time.
I
also think I’ll need to call my mother.
Now,
truth be told, I do call my mother. Also call my father. Not every
day, but often.
If
asked for the motivation involved, I don’t know that I have an
answer. Sure, a portion of it comes from having been shut down
for months, without much direct contact. But honestly, e-mails
and texts and cell phones, I’ve had my opportunities. Instead,
I think I’m just tired of the passage of time.
My
father and I were talking recently. Perhaps a year ago or a bit
more, if a specific date is needed. It brought to mind a possible
project for us to work on together, and more to the point a person
we might want to reach out to. With every day that passes however,
there’s a chance that person won’t be there to reach. And if it
turns out I had my opportunity and wasted it because of stupidity,
well, that would stink.
So,
I’m going to write a draft of that letter and send it so my father
can review it. I’m also going to start reaching out to people
with a bit more regularity.
(And,
I’m going to call my mother.)