What’s the value of 1,000 friends?
I’ve proofread obituaries for years working at a newspaper. They all talk about the relationships made along the way, obviously. A recent one stuck with me, though: the man who kept in touch with thousands via writing letters.
He was highlighted for the volume and value of his writing – not publications, but simple correspondence – to friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances. He continually wrote to people around the world, so much that he was memorialized for how lasting these connections were.
Yes, there are many who correspond with many people, and countless prolific writers, but he was exceptional in my eyes. This social butterfly of the written word spent a staggering amount of time connecting with people, over the joys and trials, the monumental and incidental stuff of life.
The late gentleman always worked to keep in touch with his fellow human beings. Not for social clout, not to get a better job, but to get closer to everyone he knew, introvert and extrovert, cousin and colleague.
This lifelong passion was part of what spurred me on to start reconnecting with my friends from ages past, and get a bit closer to those nearby: the potential for chatting, enthusing, groaning over every conceivable subject, the stuff that makes life special and interesting.
Life is a breath, but a sweet one, whether conveyed by the tongue or the pen, filled with words and wonder. Keep in touch.
