Dear LPG,

I have to say that as I get older more and more of my close friends are disappearing from my life through illness and worse.  The long dark nights of the winter, when we spend so much more time at home, help me to be aware of this even more.

I don’t think I am unique when, at times like this, I start to think back to those members of my family and friends from long ago that I have lost touch with or fallen out with in the past.

We read about how many older people are lonely as well as alone, so perhaps a dark winter evening is the perfect time to dig out that old phone number, or address, and make contact.  Perhaps the contact details have changed so that contact cannot be made, but please don’t let being worried about what to say when you make contact stop you from attempting to make the call, write the letter (or even send the email).

You just need to start with, “I was thinking of you and thought I would give you a call. How are you these days?”  You just need an opening line to find out if memories can be rekindled or rifts can be healed.

In those times when, we feel really isolated and down, focusing on something other than one’s own problems can be beneficial and learning of another’s predicament always puts your own into perspective.

There is also the feeling of achievement and renewed friendship that can follow which can be really positive.  Remember that if two people make contact they are two people who are just a little less lonely. 

IM, Crofton Park