I don't think I'm the only one of a 'certain age' who looks back and wonders 'Whatever happened to?' that friend ... the coworker ... even an old beau. Thanks to social media, most questions are easily answered. Even the little kids I used to babysit: Jody-the-terrorist and I have become tight on FB.
Sometimes, however, if you snooze ... you lose.
Years ago I was working for a firm in Abilene. Not sure why, but the office manager and her husband took me and another single gal under their wing. Long story, but she and her hubby fell on hard times and she was caught embezzling. Soon after they left town. I never forgot their kindness, and wanted to reach out -- if for no other reason than to say, "Thank you for making a difference in my life."
I appreciate that many female citizens of Facebook include their maiden names on their profiles. It was relatively easy to find the daughter. I reached out -- only to learn Joyce and Charles both passed away the previous year. I think Melissa was happy to know I remembered them so fondly, but I still felt a bit bereft. All these years later, isn't that silly.
More recently. There's a tattered notebook I keep containing references, quotes ... heck, a whole bunch of 'stuff' from the summer 7 adults met each week for a "Personal Life History" program. Among us, an adorable older couple, Rusty and Nancy. The class turned out to be more about sharing confidences and encouragement, and Nancy made each of us our own folder.
For fun, I Google'd them. Wow, still in St. Pete!
Unfortunately, my search also returned an obituary. Rusty passed away only last month! I left my condolences on the website -- then learned Nancy's in an assisted living memory care facility.
So! There's only one remaining. A lady who, for a time, was my best friend. My club-going gal pal. Lots of water under the bridge. Zabasearch tells me she's living in Lubbock - and was kind enough to show a street address.
I've been debating sending a letter. I hate to admit it, but yes. I believe things do happen in 3's.
Is there someone you've been thinking of, meaning to say hello? Just do it!
On a lighter note!
In the spirit of Throwback Thursday ...
A couple weeks ago I discovered this photo in one of my father's old magazines. I shared it on my (hometown) Atomic City Kids page -- and was totally blown away by the responses. More than 160 .... and counting. I don't recognize most of the names, but many said they remembered the wonderful aroma of old books and wood. Yes, there's nothing like it.
Encouraged by my parents, I learned to read at an early age. The public library was my favorite place to go. The Black Stallion and platypus' adventures were my favorites. Brothers Grimm, too. What were your favorites?
Thanks for visiting me again!
Hugs, Myra
the library in my earliest years was 15 minute drive and mother did not have a car, we got our books from the monthly book mobile, 14 each for the month. we always finished before time for it to come. even when age 9 I move to KY we still had a bookmobile. books were every gift and all i wanted except for the needed clothing. my memories are of waiting for the bookmobile to show up. the majority of people I know are on FB. I did find 3 on FB that I had not seen since 1959 when we left KY.. my favorite books read until ragged were Bomba and Tarzan and the City of Gold and my fairy tale book, a Bible story book, both very large with many stories in them. those 4 were read daily
ReplyDeleteWow. Not sure how I got the idea, but I thought bookmobiles were only in stories of the old West. Love that your mother, too, fostered a love of books.
DeleteI've been out of touch with several people and you are right I should just do it. I don't do a lot of social media and keep my FB limited to just family for the most part. Good for you making the effort. I've spent hours and hours at the library too and it's a favorite place of mine and when my children were little, I took them there too. They have changed a lot since back in the day but there are still lots and lots of books to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that you introduced your children to the library at an early age! Do they still love to read?
DeleteMy mom took us to the library too and I loved it and still to this day love going to the library. My favorites as a kid were the historical biographies written for young people, about people such as Molly Pitcher, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Clara Barton, etc. I also loved the Little House Books.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! If those existed at ours, I wasn't aware of them.
DeleteSend that letter :) Two worst things could happen. You hear nothing or you get a letter in reply that may not be kind. But I'm betting it will be a positive experience.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally look for people from the past. It is sad when you discover a teacher has passed on, etc. It just reminds us to appreciate each day we are alive and to reach out, especially to those we love, more often to stay in touch.
I too learned to use the library at a young age. One of the best gifts I think a parent can give their child is the gift of loving to read and the gift of a library card!
betty
Okay. I wilL!
DeleteAgree 100% about appreciating each day! There's not a week that goes by, I don't see an obituary of a teacher or classmate out on the Atomic Kids site.
The very short time I was on Facebook years ago one of the things I didn't like were people from my past popping in. This may sound cold but I always feel like people were in the past for a reason, and no I don't want to get together 50 years later lol. It was especially bad when some contacted me and I had zero memory of them - yikes!
ReplyDeleteI was really lucky as a kid, the library as well as the city playground were right behind my house. I spent countless house at both every single day.
Not cold at all, Martha. That's why I'm opting for a personal letter ... less intrusive, I think.
DeleteYep about zero memory. Last year I had a girl reach out to me saying she lived across the street and always looked up to me, etc., etc. -- and I had no recollection. It made me feel awful.
You are so blessed to find people on Facebook - I don't find too many old friends!
ReplyDeleteI think more and more people are exiting Facebook. Are you familiar with zabasearch.com? It's a great resource.
DeleteAhhhh, this is sweet. The couple that had passed away reminds me of an encounter of my own. I had a chance to talk to a widow years ago to tell her how much her husband had meant to me as a teenager. She smiled real big, "Thank Jackie, most folks only remember the bad side of him!"
ReplyDeleteHe had been a great guy but just could not stay on the straight and narrow.
Yep, you can kick in some REAL memories. I am glad you were able to let the young lady know how you felt about the parents. I bet that still brightens her day at times.....
Love you lady, such a sweet post....
Sherry & jack
Oh, I hope so! Time is a thief.
DeleteLove y'all!
My advice ... before sending any letter, pray about it. If in doubt, wait. God will tell you what to do.
ReplyDeleteSearching on the Internet is different, because you can do it without the person knowing about it. It's your first contact that needs praying about ... in my experience.
God bless.
Wise counsel. Thank you, my friend.
DeleteYes! Just do it!! I really enjoyed this post, Myra! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling me that, Terri! 💛
DeleteI enjoyed this post so much. When my dad was in his early 90's I usually spent Sundays with him to give the caregivers a day off. One of the things he loved to do was call people on the phone and talk to them...old friends (those that were still living were getting fewer and fewer), distant relatives, cousins...anyone he could think of that he wanted to keep up with. He'd have me place the call and we'd put it on speaker so I could help him as he had Parkinson's disease and sometimes it was hard for him to get his words out, but I usually knew what he was trying to say so I would fill in the blanks. Plus some of his friends were hard of hearing, and I'd speak louder for them and then try to decipher what they were saying because sometimes it was hard to understand them too. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, and I learned so much about my dad and his love for his friends and family. I need to keep up that tradition with my own friends before it is too late. Thank you for this wonderful reminder. Don't wait too long, and if you miss the person you intended, have a talk with whomever is there who knew them and loved them too. It's worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteWow ... what a powerful testimony, Pam. I'm struck, because Tom regularly does the very same thing. In a way, I envy his continuing relationships with friends and relations from 'back in the day.' Thank you for sharing this precious piece of your life.
DeleteSo many folks I've lost touch with over the years, Myra; I was just thinking that the other day . . .
ReplyDeleteThe library was my refuge as a child, too, and I have always been an avid reader.
Thanks for your continued prayers as mom is back in the hospital.
Blessings!
Martha, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's setback. Praying right now!
DeleteNow this is a sweet post and you have a beautiful point of checking in on people. So sorry for the ones who have lost their lives. ((Hugs)) Take care and God Bless You. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, sweet friend!
DeleteWe all know I could live in the library...as for books growing up; Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsie Twins, Agatha Christie all became my friends.
ReplyDeleteI have kept in touch with some dear friends from Alabama, some who don't always agree politically etc...but that's ok. We love each other unconditionally...its never to late, Myra...go for it and get closure (or openness, smiles).
Thanks, Linda. Have a beautiful day!
DeleteI have always loved books. When my kids were small, we only had one car so we walked to the local library. It was good exercise and we always had lots of good books to bring home. I love series, like the Jan Karon books. I loved Debbie Macomber until she sold her soul to the TV movies. YUCK! Nicholas Sparks. Any book aboiut tea related things. I have so many CHristian books for women, all sorts of good things. My kids are all very good readers. Although Noelle and Rebekah take the cake. hahaha they read everything! If I listed all the books I loved as a kid, I would write a book! :-)
ReplyDeleteI was trying to get info on a friend who moved a dew years ago. By zabasearch sent me to that verified and they want you to pay for reports. ALl I asked for was an address. I did find one on true people.com. There is a high school friends I'd like to find but now her married name escapes me. At one time, someone said she lived in the Phoenix area. DOuble drat! I did contact one high school friend and she was not interested, just did not even say no thank you. I was sadly disappointed. I think your friends who passed away and one contact is left, I woud reach out. You have a kind heart and I am glad the couple was so kind to you. People do some unfortuante things for many reasons. I am glad my dad always preached God was everyone;s judge, not us. ANyway I love your posts and thinking of you as I attempt to write posts for tomorrow. I have so many comments to catch up on. But once Hannah and Jake go home (Friday) I will cry for the first day and then get back into the real world. :-)
njoy this new week. Take care