In the 70’s, my family hosted several people from other countries in our home. One of those was from France. She spent a summer with us and I visited her twice in France the next few years later, and then again in the mid-80’s when I attended her wedding. Over time, an occasional note arrived in my mailbox from her but generally, we lost touch for awhile. Thanks to Linked In, I found her again and we communicated with each other. (She’s not on any other social media sites.) I was so happy to connect with her again. We then emailed each other off and on, but nothing has been better than seeing her again a few years ago when I traveled to France for work and we met up again.
Since then, we’ve connected more regularly on WhatsApp and now on the Signal app. (She’s dropping WhatsApp due to their privacy policy.) It has been such a pleasure to communicate and stay in touch with her, sharing photos, videos and lots of stories.
Today I received these images from her, taken by her husband. If you look closely, you’ll see him in the reflection with his mask on taking the photos. These are at a place near where she lives in Paris. I think it’s creative and cute even though the bears are having all the fun!
Parisian bears enjoying it all during the pandemic.
I really appreciate the apps that allow us to connect with previously long-lost friends. Maintaining our friendships with people near and far are a wonderful way to feel connected during this pandemic, when many of us are isolated for long periods of time. I appreciate the technology to keep connecting and even more so, I appreciate the friendships!
Appreciation Magic 