I'd 've Swapped a Thousand Texts For One Warm Hug

“That’s not true,” the father told his children - at the funeral - “I texted her, or sent an email, almost once a week, But if I didn’t call her on her cell phone now and then, the stretch between the days on which I’d actually hear her speak Often ran as long as close to six or seven months! And - not set up for Face-Time - I was left without a choice. She rarely came to see me, so my phone was all I had to work at mending differences, and actually - hear her voice! Expressing how you feel on digital platforms works OK, but substituting videos is the trend I most resent. I’ve never seen a video I could give a “great big hug”, and feel as though I’m gradually losing touch for those I’ve sent. Texting those you care about is bordering on a cop-out, and emails are no better when the things you have to say Ought to be communicated literally - face-to-face - and, down the road, many who disagree will learn one day That texting’s slowly driven a wedge they, sadly, could not feel, in between their busy hearts and some of those they love, And, if - like me - they yearn to hear their loved ones actual voice...maybe then they’ll comprehend the truths I’ve penned above. If - because of circumstances - seeing them is tough...don’t believe that texting or an email fills the bill. Compared to hugging, phoning pales, but those for whom you care - when asked if they’d prefer to - hear your voice...will say they will. (See my many books and CDs at: writerofbooks.com) Cheers, Mark