Keeping in Touch: The old days

I talk to my sister on the phone at least once a day and we text pretty much the rest of the time.  I am always asking her things, telling her little funnies (and the not-so-funnies too), and sending her pictures of what we're doing that day.  The best part, I get it all in return. 

Today I got to thinking, how did my mom stay in touch with her twin sister, who lived on the other side of the country, when we were kids.  Mom lives 6 hours away from me, but that's ok, I promptly picked up the phone and called her without hardly thinking about it. 

Money was really tight for both my parents and aunt so talking long distance was a luxury they were not afforded often.  I was shocked when she told me they talked on the phone maybe twice a month.  Twice a month!!!  I talked to my sister three times today!  How did they manage?!  I can't imagine not being able to share the amazing moments of my day, as well as the ones I don't want to remember.  Sissy always does a great job of talking me off the ledge calming me down or being just as excited, or more, for even the littlest things that are happening in my life.  And the same goes in return.  I love hearing how J and Eme are and seeing the great pictures she's taking of them.  It's like a little pick me up throughout the day.

Mom and Auntie Joyce wrote many letters to each other, which made getting the mail that much better.  I do remember getting letters in the mail when I was in high school from my best friend who was in college (yes, I'm dating myself) and it was wonderful opening the mailbox and seeing a bright envelope covered in stickers addressed to me.  I loved reading her letters, I still have some of them.

Those days are for the most part gone and while I miss them, I really love being able to talk to my sister and mom on a daily basis, even though we live 5 hours away from each other.  I am lucky to be able to do that.

-Jo