I think, all to often, we are overwhelmed by the size of this planet, the enormity of it all geographically, and the sheer number of its inhabitants.
   It’s a big world.
   This year Earth seems even larger, as if there is greater distance between those we love and the people we know. Physical distancing and travel restrictions have, in so many ways, limited our capacity to see, feel and touch fellow our human beings.
   But maybe it has also allowed us time to think about those people and, perhaps, even encouraged us to reach out more often, or a little further, to those faraway friends.
   Maybe we have found other ways to stay connected, or realized the communication tools available that allow us to, in effect, wave to our neighbours across the street or across the globe.
   Maybe we can now value communication a little more, and that wave or comment can take on greater meaning.
   Maybe it took a catastrophic event or virus to realize just how much closer we all are, or may actually be.
   Maybe we will recognize, or realize, just how good it feels to reach out.
   We are only a keystroke away; we are that close.
   Thank you for being there.

12/26/2020                                                    j.g.l.