This morning a former associate, and dear friend, called. She wanted to see how retirement is going for me and to tell me that she had quit smoking and had had cancer-removal surgery in April. She had sent an email to me a couple of months ago, but I did not receive, either because of my spam blockers or some filter where she works. That really miffs me: spam filters are a blessing and a curse.
I am delighted that she quit smoking, and maybe it will motivate me to do so. But, regardless, it was wonderful to hear from her. And thinking about it has helped me realize a couple of things:
- This morning I talked about how easy it is to take things for granted, and that I am bad about it. But, I realize today that there are a few things that I have never taken for granted. I never take my friends for granted. It always delights me to talk with them. Maybe the fact that I never take them for granted has a bearing on why I have so many friends. I do not know. But, I know I love them and that it is always wonderful to hear from them. But, there are a lot of things I do take for granted, so I am not letting myself off the hook when it comes to gratitude.
- I’ve talked a fair amount recently about FaceBook and Twitter and Plaxo, including talking about Plaxo this morning. I have a good bit to learn about these social media applications. But, while I can “stay in touch” with friends and business associates using them (perhaps especially with Plaxo), nothing beats a good old-fashioned phone call from or to a friend.
Just my 2 cents for the afternoon.