Mom read newspapers, mailed clips. Hersch emails links from the Web. Via Blackberry I skim Google News, The WSJ and NY Times and post links to FB.
My big brother Hersch sends me links to articles he finds on the Web that will interest me. That’s a habit — a gift — he gleaned from Mom.
For decades, our mailmen (and yes, they were men) routinely delivered hand-addressed envelopes from Mom. Many included articles she meticulously hand clipped and dated.
These weren’t just any articles. She managed to find ones that related to our own history and personal interests, which would really mean something to us.
My newsprint announcements featured Jean’s wedding, Bill’s new client and Indy’s new stadium, and black-and-white news spreads of the attractions I helped open … being torn down or renovated years later.
Mom found for us news about places and people we were fond of, our cities, companies, favorite authors, hobbies … and health tips.
Every single day, Mom sipped hot instant Folgers from a mug and read The Indianapolis News (until it closed), then The Indianapolis Star and The Franklin Township Informer. She read at the kitchen table. On the couch. On the front step. At McDonald’s.
That’s just what Mom did. Every single day.
If any one of us were there, she’d read excerpts of various articles out loud.
In May 1997, Mom's clippings included an AP article linking cell phones to cancer ... and "Love, Mom."
And when we were no longer there — living in Chicago, Madison, Rantoul, Kenosha and Tacoma — she’d still share the articles with us.
At times, she’d even make copies at the Wanamaker branch library, and ship similar packages to each of us, so we’d each be equally informed.
Early on, she wrote in script on stationary her news of the day — “Walked 4 miles” — and included the letter with the clips. Eventually she just included yellow Post-It notes scrawled with “Love, Mom.”
With or without a letter, each envelope was filled with thoughts. With love.
Today, my brother’s links are just as meaningful. I can’t be with him as he browses the Web, but the 1800 miles are bridged by his constant reminders that he clearly is thinking of me — and understands my interests.
On FaceBook, I too post articles, in hopes they may resonate with a friend or sibling. Like my brother, I am my Mother’s child. However, I’m typically reading Google News, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Technorati … on my Blackberry, before my cup of Joe (straight black).
Are things really that different?
BTW Hersch: For all the articles you send to me, “Sincerely, thank you.” I haven’t said that enough.
I love this, Ann. Thank you.
You’ve got the gift!