I overheard a woman in a coffee shop recently talking very loudly about how she feels adrift from everyone. The woman listening to her was nodding her head enthusiastically in agreement. Then it was their turn in line. As the barista was trying to take their order, the one woman kept on with her rant turning to her head forward only to give the coffee order and pay. Then they turned, went to corner of the cafe and waited. Still ranting. Still nodding. But just to each other.
Jan 18·edited Jan 18Liked by Janice Badger Nelson RN
Yes! Yes! Yes! Wonderful observations! I had never made the connection of too many choices on TV as a lack of connection. I remember a work friendship that started years ago when we first connected by talking and laughing about that week's Friends episode. We couldn't wait for the next week's episode. That was over 25 years ago and we still keep in touch. Now post-pandemic with many people still working from home there is even more disconnect. When I worked at a retirement community (for 13 years) I developed a friendship with a resident who is now 94-years-old. I no longer work there, but we still keep in touch. She is like a 2nd mother and best friend wrapped in one. She has commented often about the lack of connection with the younger, new employees at the community who are buried in their phones and have poor communication skills. It is not the warm atmosphere that used to exist when I started there and when she moved in. She is happy she is at the back end of her life, and is saddened for my generation and those to follow by all that has changed.
That opening scene is powerful. There was one lonely woman who did not even see the face of the person who was serving her. It is so easy to lose sight of the very small connections that are still possible. This is a beautiful and important piece, Janice.
I went out yesterday to do some errands and I realized I was looking forward to it because I just don't do those things the way I used to. I had tiny conversations with several people behind cash registers or library counters or at the bank. They restored me. I hope the people I engaged with felt seen. I will be keeping your words in my mind and heart when I venture out again. Sooner rather than later.
How I agree about self checkouts and mobile/cell phones. It’s the kids l feel sorry for in their buggies or on the bus. They are ignored. The person pushing the buggy might as well be pushing a cart full of bananas and the thing that gets to me the most is the size of some of the kids in the buggies. They look quite able to walk as fast the person pushing the buggy! 🐰
Yes! When I was growing up, friends would pop in to visit my parents and be invited to stay for dinner. My mother could always stretch the casserole with another can of tuna. Now many people think a phone call is an imposition. You’re supposed to text first.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Wonderful observations! I had never made the connection of too many choices on TV as a lack of connection. I remember a work friendship that started years ago when we first connected by talking and laughing about that week's Friends episode. We couldn't wait for the next week's episode. That was over 25 years ago and we still keep in touch. Now post-pandemic with many people still working from home there is even more disconnect. When I worked at a retirement community (for 13 years) I developed a friendship with a resident who is now 94-years-old. I no longer work there, but we still keep in touch. She is like a 2nd mother and best friend wrapped in one. She has commented often about the lack of connection with the younger, new employees at the community who are buried in their phones and have poor communication skills. It is not the warm atmosphere that used to exist when I started there and when she moved in. She is happy she is at the back end of her life, and is saddened for my generation and those to follow by all that has changed.
Thanks for writing this, so true. Dropping in to say hi to a neighbor or friend... I better just do it!
Thank you for your comment. Let me know how it goes!!
That opening scene is powerful. There was one lonely woman who did not even see the face of the person who was serving her. It is so easy to lose sight of the very small connections that are still possible. This is a beautiful and important piece, Janice.
I went out yesterday to do some errands and I realized I was looking forward to it because I just don't do those things the way I used to. I had tiny conversations with several people behind cash registers or library counters or at the bank. They restored me. I hope the people I engaged with felt seen. I will be keeping your words in my mind and heart when I venture out again. Sooner rather than later.
How I agree about self checkouts and mobile/cell phones. It’s the kids l feel sorry for in their buggies or on the bus. They are ignored. The person pushing the buggy might as well be pushing a cart full of bananas and the thing that gets to me the most is the size of some of the kids in the buggies. They look quite able to walk as fast the person pushing the buggy! 🐰
Yes! When I was growing up, friends would pop in to visit my parents and be invited to stay for dinner. My mother could always stretch the casserole with another can of tuna. Now many people think a phone call is an imposition. You’re supposed to text first.