I'm not entirely sure what this will lead to. I didn't have any plans or particular thoughts in mind when I found myself here.  I was reading a FB post of a friend who just started a blog and what she wrote was so filled with comfort from both past memories mingled with her "now"life, the perfect blend of past and present.

It was like reading between the lines of a very brief greeting card,  somewhere in those categories you see on the store shelves: comfort, sympathy, friendship, love etc. The card has 3 lines

Take comfort in your family and friends 

Know that I am always there for you

Be strong and have faith

But your mind fills in the rest, a whole flood of thoughts come rushing at you when you see those very simple words. Based on who sent it, how they signed it, what caused them to send it, a story unfolds.  Thoughts you  may not have planned on having that day, simply move to the front of your mind.  An unexpected tear may slide down your cheek,  a minds eye picture of something you haven't recalled in years, a slow and private smile, warmth rising to your cheeks.

Its a lost custom, an art form slipping away.  A card, a few lines, a simple gesture that meant for just a few minutes someone thought of you, what you were going through; trouble,  celebration, accomplishment, sorrow or maybe change.  They went into a store, read through the cards until they found the right one, addressed it, put a stamp on it and sent it to you.

You, in your daily routine, opened your mailbox expecting to dump the contents straight into the trash (or excuse me the recycle bin) but suddenly you notice something you don't normally see, a surprise, a gift if you will, something personal, something someone gave some thought to for more then the time it takes to strike a few keys on a keyboard or Iphone and you open it and you have, for just a few minutes an opportunity to connect with the sender, the event and to allow yourself to wander for just a bit.  No rush to move away from those thoughts, no delete key, just time to think.

Its all there just in that one, very seldom received, but very thoughtful card.

3/22/2012  - Thank you Carolyn for being brave enough with all you have going on to share with all of us.