The Generosity of

We have stopped speaking.

Oh, no, please don’t misunderstand. There is no animosity. The reason for our silence was health related, and we have not heard each other’s voice now in over six months.

We have known each other ever so long, close to 65 years, I believe. To be accurate possibly, longer. The exact date we first met doesn’t really matter.

The interesting thing is that since our vocal communication ended, I believe we have both learned a great deal more about each other. And any remaining barriers of communication between us have now been erased. Secrets foolishly long hidden have emerged and utter and absolute honesty restored.

There are many diverse opinions about email. I have heard negative reactions from assorted friends who are critical of using the internet for communication rather than the familiar bold black pen and linen paper.

Or, as they state, in their opinion, it is far easier to make a phone call than use an IPad.

Neither option was possible during the mandated interlude of silence between she and I. Now that that time is close to ending, I have a different viewpoint of our days, weeks and yes, months of enforced silence.

I believe we have come to know each other far better. It is both surprising and unexpectedly simpler to be utterly and totally honest each day that dawns with our spontaneous expressions of affection. I am liberated from any restraint in writing each morning of the pride, joy and confidence I have always found in her wisdom. Words I probably should have spoken years earlier. I wonder now what caused such unnecessary reluctance.

The joy I feel reading her replies evoke the sentimental remembrances of earlier years and bring untold delight for me to read. Our earliest days together immediately return for a magical moment.

In the words of John O’Donohue, “ The generosity of silence allowed us to reveal our hidden hearts,” and God indeed has given me, her Mother, a gift in unexpected wrapping.

Once again to quote the poet’s memorable words,

“Blessed be the gifts you never notice.”