Still In Touch

Often departures from events or trips end with, “We’ll have to keep in touch.” “You come visit us, you’re always welcome!”

Lovely words, yet rarely do they come to fruition. After our Panama trip I did try to keep in email contact with a couple of new friends. Sometimes when you are the only one initiating you feel like a pest! I still wonder about many of those people.

Last night I dreamt of Turkey in some fashion and our tour guide was there. This morning – no lie – I had a message at the top of my screen encouraging me to say, “hi,” to Orhan on Instagram. ? It was just a suggestion because no one had messaged. So, I sent him a photo of the gorgeous new rug we received yesterday (yes, we caved and bought one) and thanked him again.

My waitress friend, Burku, from one of our restaurants in Turkey, still sends me a weekly email. I am apparently helping her improve her English while I shamefully write back in English. I and “Pusan,” my bus mate, send chats back and forth as she continues to explore the world. One month and I am heartened to receive missives from three Turkish friends. (Pusan, you are now Turkish!)

That led me to think that we should have a national “Reach Out” day. It’s where you intentionally contact someone from a very far distance, either physically or in your past. Reconnect – in a good way. Say, “hi.” Have a fun memory up your sleeve.

That’s the platform I would run on should I be forced into political office. (That and a national “Clean up your yard” Day, with free composting and recycling trucks running 24/7 for a week.)

Enough deep thoughts. More coffee. Peace.