The mechanical answer is that I find that emails and texting has actually added to the process of strengthening my connections. Rather than calling, which I always lauded as the best form of communicating (and perhaps still do in some regards), I find that when I have a thought about someone I am likely to react immediately through email which enhances my engagement more frequently. With friends, this has often led to digital conversations that provoke rapid responses since people are more likely to be “connected” to their devices than they were prior to the Covid lockdown.

 

With respect to family, since there is a heightened concern over their wellbeing and health,

both physical and mental, I tend to call more frequently than I did prior to this crisis time. The

calls, the Zoom, FaceTime and the like adds something to the calls although it also emphasizes the barriers. But overall, we have somewhat more connection now.

 

I met a few people after the Covid lockdown and as a result of those meetings we tended to

transmit emails. In so doing we found that we had common interests and concerns that have

made for more meaningful “discussions.”

 

The only response that comes to mind when thinking about the global community I may never

meet is that this crisis has heightened our focus on philanthropy. Barbara and I have shifted

our priorities when it comes to giving and broadening our giving options. It is heart breaking to

think of the legion of people who are in need. To this end, we have attempted to be both

considerate and more giving than prior to this time.