Connecting during Distancing

This morning my mother and brother reminded me, via our family group chat, that I promised to share my Jamaican Hardough Bread recipe. I could have easily typed it, or take a picture of the one I’ve been using for quite some time, but there was something therapeutic about preparing this copy for my family.

Selecting the paper was reminiscent of the days I strolled through the stationery section of Barnes and Noble. Perusing this little section of the store, was by far one of my favorite pass time, hubby and the kids always knew where to find me when I went missing. It was probably from perusing this section for hours at a time that I realized I had an appreciation for paper. The variety, grains, and textures are never-ending. 

Searching through my ‘regular’ and calligraphy pens was like flipping through the pages of an Album. Each pen had a story and a reason why I purchased them in the first place. More than likely, it was the way the ink flowed, the point of the pen, or how the body felt between my pointer and my thumb. 

Setting aside the time to connect with family members who are not only in another part of the country – but in another part of the world – centered me. The process of writing reminded me that there are unique ways in which we can connect during this time of distance.

Writing each word brought me back to a letter I read almost twenty-seven years ago.

A few years before my grandfather died, he came to spend time with us in New Jersey. On one occasion, he wrote a letter of apology to my father – of which my father read, held back tears, and placed the letter in the buffet. I waited for everyone to fall asleep before I snuck into the living room to read the words my grandfather penned. I do not remember his words, but I will never forget his penmanship. 

Artful curlicues letters filled the pages, and I knew then letters can dance gracefully on a paper.

May you connect with yourself, and find unique ways of connecting others. 

♥

Kadine