Maintaining Strong Relationships
LINDA MOORE
A short time ago, I told my son, Dan, that I wanted to reduce stress! So I was going to gently refuse to write any Imago voice articles. Writing has never been easy for me, and I’m fearful that I will sound boring! When I heard the subject was “connections,” though, I was intrigued. I value all my friendships and my relationships with others, so it is a subject that I’m really passionate about. I really feel COVID-19 has completely restricted the way we view our friends and associations with neighbors.
During the past few months, we have had to develop new ways to relate with each other. I have learned to keep in contact by texting and messaging more. Friends send me poems, prayers, inspirational sayings, and loving thoughts. We also send YouTube videos of songs that inspire us, funny jokes, or movie recommendations. When I read my devotionals, I may take a picture of a page that uplifts me and text it to someone who needs encouragement. My daughter, Dionne, and I have even begun to read and discuss a short chapter of a devotional on the phone. Learning new ways to relate remotely can still be a challenge.
Because of COVID-19, it is much more difficult to feel close to each other when trauma happens. My oldest son, James, passed away in August after a short, but hard battle with cancer. It is so painful to deal with the shock, grief, and variety of emotions that accompany death. So many kind people sent beautiful cards and heartfelt sympathy messages — including the Hot Mess Sisters. It was so encouraging to me to be able to read the cards over and over again and think of all the love that was behind them. It kept those connections strong when we couldn’t meet in person and receive hugs.
During this period of sadness and grief, it was difficult to maintain strong relationships with friends and God. I can only be still in solitude and hope God hears my unspoken words. I can only hope my connection and relationship with God will one day again be as strong and trusting as my granddaughter, Immy’s. She prays a simple prayer each night asking God to say “hello” to Uncle James for her. What a joyful way to stay connected to her uncle and her God: just say “hello!”
Linda is mother to three and grandmother to four. She retired last year after 34 years of working as an ultrasound technologist. She loves playing with her two grandchildren here and traveling to San Diego to visit with her other two. She loves scrapbooking, walks, and watching nature from her back porch