#430: Reaching Out To Spark Friends

Remember the commercial from years past for the telephone company that urged us to "Reach out and touch someone" by calling friends and family long-distance?

I followed that suggestion tonight and was blessed three times over. First by Lori (MOMMA_LITTLE) then Leslie (LESLIE537) and finally Missy (YATMAMA).

What happened to make this such a special night? I called these long-time s across the country to say hi. I was going to call tomorrow, Thanksgiving, but realized that might be too hectic a day to chat for the first time and to start to get to know better some of my treasured SP friends.

We had terrific conversations with lots of laughter and I came away with a new-found respect for these truly amazing ladies. I am so blessed to have made a connection with them. Reading their blogs, posts, friend feeds and messages will now be read with a deeper respect since I have a voice to go with their pictures.

Over time, I look forward to talking with the others I've connected with across the U.S., Canada, Finland and other places. It is one thing to learn of people's lives through their profile pages and blogs. It is something else to hear an actual voice.

With so many calling programs today offering free long-distance, unlimited minutes and other incentives, why don't you reach out also if you haven't already? Just as it is nice to talk with a dear family member or close friend you haven't called in a while, it is as nice to talk with new friends.

I am happy I did. You will be, too. Doing so makes a person real, not simply a picture and a profile. Sure, through our blogs we come to learn of others' ups and downs, their successes and their tribulations, their likes and dislikes, their relationships, their children, their jobs and hobbies and so much more. But actually talking adds a more valued dimension to the connection.

The next best thing will be getting together with Spark friends from my area and those from out of the area who might come to visit. Such magical times.

As one more commercial, this time for cereal, proclaimed, "Try it. You'll like it," and you will be blessed beyond measure if you also reach out.