"Using life experiences to inspire, encourage and educate others is why I write. I believe sharing our stories helps us to realize we're not alone; that others have struggled, hurt, failed and got back up and found their way. I hope my stories make you think, laugh and feel grateful. - Deana LandersFeatured Short Story
Making Real Connections
My niece called me recently and said, “Hey, I want to make a new year’s resolution.” “Ok, I said. And you want to share it with me?”
“Yes, she said. I want us to call each other more.” I reminded her that we text often. “I know, she said, but I need to hear your voice.”
Wanting to call each other more had a lot to do with what happened between us this last year.
My sister-in-law called to tell me that something I had said that upset my niece. I immediately texted her. I wanted to explain that she had misunderstood what I meant. We texted back and forth, and before we knew it, there was an uncomfortable distance between us.
Later, when we couldn’t stand the loss we felt, I called her, or maybe she called me; I can’t remember. But I do remember hearing her voice and feeling tears in my heart.
We both cried. I could hear the pain and joy in her voice that helped me understand how she felt, and my response was a lot different than our previous texts.
Texting is a brilliant way to miscommunicate how we feel and misinterpret what other people mean.
Between state-o...
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