...and an ocean between us isn't always easy, but it can be done. Of course, it's not the same as face-to-face in person. Quality can still be found by phone, snail mail, email, and SKYPE.
I have been able to put together communication configurations with friends and family who are important to me that work! Being connected in "real time" spoils us.
What do you do when you have family and friends who are NOT "connected," so that real time isn't possible?
Over the years of here, many of my closest friends were not connected due to age and sometimes financial ability. With these friends, regular calls worked. I called, but so did they. I'd then call them back since it was part of my package. It always meant so much.
Sadly, most of these friends have passed on.
These days that person continues to be my Dad. We have our routine daily call at 7am his time, 2pm mine.
This habit began in 2015 to check on Mom while Dad was in the hospital. I am forever grateful that my sister suggested it then and that it continues. Since Dad isn't connected...it's still old time calls and letters for us.
These calls began as check-ins. Now from France, Dad and I have begun having easily 30 minute morning conversations.
I also enjoy sending snail mail regularly...cards, letters with photos, and sometimes articles about things we talk about.
Recently, I discovered that Dad is saving all the French stamps I'm sending and cataloging them. This comes as no surprise. Most of us were stamp collectors as children and Dad was too. He really was the king of stamp collecting. I have inherited his full books of Spain and Monaco.
All this to say, it was time to get Dad some prettier French stamps. I always ask at the Poste: Avez-vous tres jolies timbres?" For International, it's usually no, but I can buy carnets of pretty stamps for France. I tend to do that so in addition to the required "Marianne" purple girl, letters to the states get at least one pretty French stamp. Stamps are little presents!
This week I bit the bullet and began ordering on-line from La Poste. I got my stash of Mariannes and a few other pretty ones to "gift!" Yesterday, my stash arrived. I'm ready. Now, I have lots of pretty and interesting tiny presents to send to my family and friends. Of course, Dad will get the lion's share.
I'm also thinking of getting some more of my favorite personal photos on the stamps. We shall see! Maybe a barn series!
Happy Friday!
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