It’s very easy in the digital age we live in to feel like we are making connections with people throughout the day, even if we never see anyone in person. I am sure the same goes for you that you don’t receive many phone calls anymore, and a letter in the mailbox is a treasure. I don’t deny that these connections can be uplifting, supportive, and on some level fulfilling. However, there are currently more people suffering from loneliness and depression than ever before. There is nothing that can replace the connection that comes from investing time person to person. Relationships always have and always will require intention and follow through, but maybe now more than ever we have to fight for it.

Since our schedule allows more flexible time now, we really wanted to make more of an effort for time visiting family and friends far away. Since losing loved ones in the past few years, something that stirs up within me is how we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. So when we saw a chance, we packed our bags and drove north to Ohio where I was raised, to pay a visit to my grandmother who hadn’t yet met Azelie! I have a small handful of people in my life who still write me letters. Two of them being my grandmother, and my best friend from high school. (Neither of them have social media ironically or not so ironically.) We got to visit with both, and even though we had projects due, a long drive with little ones ahead, and a bag full of excuses why we shouldn’t go, we did anyway.

The house that raised my mother, where my wonderful grandma still lives.

I’m sitting here typing with tired puffy eyes, but with so much gratitude for the weekend we just had. Time with those near and dear is unmatched. There are no phone calls, emails, DM’s or even FaceTime that can take the place of real time, real life, real connection with those we love. I get homesick for the midwest in October, and it felt like a piece of me woke up from a long slumber just getting to be in a few places that hold so much significance to me.

It is important to Gabe and I to connect the dots of our family history for our kids so that they can understand how deeply rooted the love of family can be. (Even if that family is friendships!) It can be the foundation to our understanding of where we came from and where we are headed.

Just something I have been thinking about a good deal and wanted to write it out to process. Wishing you all a good week ahead.