today my friend from london, susanna, called me. i was quite surprised to see a call come up from her. it was the first time we have ever heard each others voice. we must have chatted for hours. i didnt keep track of the duration as i was so happy to hear from her. even though we have never met, except in virtual land with the occasional postcard or three, i felt as though we knew each other for quite sometime. well in fact we have known each other for about eight months or so. it was quite wonderful talking with her and have a conversation about life, the world, politics, books, and cats.
to actually speak to a ‘pen pal’ is very different. you learn from correspondences, but to actually speak and hold a conversation back and forth with them brings about a deeper understanding of the person. pieces of paper and virtual letters on an electronic board can only bring you the black and white of the person. you cannot feel the emotions, the inflections, or the character behind the words until you actually speak with them. there may be hints here and there, but its not real to you hear the tones and the ’song’ in their voice. a smile cannot be conveyed in words on a page but it can be heard in the voice.
it was good to finally hear her smile. i for one cannot wait to hear her smile again.
~adieu