Social isolation increasingly characterizes American life. It robs our individual lives of its greatest richness, and also creates fertile ground for the emergence of authoritarianism.
Dear Joe, Have been married to my wife for almost 40 years and have known her for almost 50 years well over more than half my lifetime. Nice to have someone to be “present” with. Have had three instances lately where a casual comment has led to a wonderful interpersonal connection to a virtual stranger. In one instance a comment I made in my audiologists waiting room relating to basketball was overheard by another patient and led to our sharing memories about nyc high school basketball and in particular this person was very friendly with Marty Glickman whose story about being kicked off the US track team at the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, Nazi Germany, because he was Jewish, I was very familiar with.
In another interaction in a Greek restaurant in Astoria a casual comment about appetizers led to a conversation that included fascinating details about this strangers connection to Joseph Papp and the Shakespeare in the Park which I loved.
Wonderful anecdotes. There is the "presence" of long-term, loving, relationships, as you have had with your wife. There are also the surprise, momentary, encounters with strangers that make for golden experiences. I, too, like to talk with strangers. One often finds sources of humanity that would otherwise remain unrealized, except for the small efforts we make to break through the barriers of distance.
Thanks for this very important contribution, Joe. Though she is disabled, my wife is still here and we have exchanges throughout the day including over dinner. And I have a small handful of friends I see regularly. I understand the importance of being with people.
Reaching out to others is difficult for many of us. Some do it with a natural grace that I admire. For me, it's something that had to be learned. And I so get the unbearable loneliness of being alone. Excellent and timely post.
Many thanks, Marvin. Reaching out to others may, at times, be difficult. But it very often bears dividends that makes the effort more than worthwhile. My best to you.
How fortuitous that I read this while on a trip where I am applying to live eventually in a CCRC, in large part so the last days (years) of my life will have the company and care of others close at hand.
An insightful piece. Here's to more in person contact!
Dear Joe, Have been married to my wife for almost 40 years and have known her for almost 50 years well over more than half my lifetime. Nice to have someone to be “present” with. Have had three instances lately where a casual comment has led to a wonderful interpersonal connection to a virtual stranger. In one instance a comment I made in my audiologists waiting room relating to basketball was overheard by another patient and led to our sharing memories about nyc high school basketball and in particular this person was very friendly with Marty Glickman whose story about being kicked off the US track team at the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, Nazi Germany, because he was Jewish, I was very familiar with.
In another interaction in a Greek restaurant in Astoria a casual comment about appetizers led to a conversation that included fascinating details about this strangers connection to Joseph Papp and the Shakespeare in the Park which I loved.
All the best, Ed
Wonderful anecdotes. There is the "presence" of long-term, loving, relationships, as you have had with your wife. There are also the surprise, momentary, encounters with strangers that make for golden experiences. I, too, like to talk with strangers. One often finds sources of humanity that would otherwise remain unrealized, except for the small efforts we make to break through the barriers of distance.
Thanks for this very important contribution, Joe. Though she is disabled, my wife is still here and we have exchanges throughout the day including over dinner. And I have a small handful of friends I see regularly. I understand the importance of being with people.
Making the most of these moments adds richness to life that would serve us well to deepen and expand.
Reaching out to others is difficult for many of us. Some do it with a natural grace that I admire. For me, it's something that had to be learned. And I so get the unbearable loneliness of being alone. Excellent and timely post.
Many thanks, Marvin. Reaching out to others may, at times, be difficult. But it very often bears dividends that makes the effort more than worthwhile. My best to you.
How fortuitous that I read this while on a trip where I am applying to live eventually in a CCRC, in large part so the last days (years) of my life will have the company and care of others close at hand.
How important community is, especially as we move into the last stages of life. I hope it all works out well, Elizabeth.