I have a few friends that i check in with regularly, from every day to once a week. My closest know what's going on in my life and I with theirs. From classes to travels to sickness and simchas. It's more like family - friend doesn't have enough "gravitas" for those people I keep close.

I miss it when I don't check in with certain people. Sometimes I feel that it is more for me than for them.

AS I get older, which I guess is a good thing, some of my friends/acquaintances have and continue to have health issues. Those that were classified as acquaintances are now friends. My wife and I did not socialize with them. These are nice people who went out of their way to be courteous and caring to me in business and/or home life. I call and visit my friend(s) whenever they need me or I need them....to feel good that I am caring for a good person.

I'm actually just reconciling with a friend with whom I didn't check in with when her husband was going through a hard time. 100% my fault. My plan is to apologize and offer no excuses.

In my hobby of antique bottle collecting, we have several pages on Facebook where we more or less expect to "see" each other regularly. When someone doesn't post for a few days, it's noticeable and I send a private message to that friend to check in and ensure all is well ~ or others post outright asking about so-and-so. Oftentimes these are friends we have never met in person but are nonetheless important to us.

I just lost a fraternity brother last week who I was lucky enough to have "checked in with" in March. Was way too long before that. Have checked in on a few others this week.

It's important to try to stay in touch; it's both easy and hard but got to try.

That someone is YOU Fred ! It's hard to remember the beginnings of our adult Rennassance but I'm sure you have it very well documented. I can tell you that it has made my effort to " get back" so much more enjoyable . A little "Harvey has a no no going into the 7 th" to your tolerance of my anti- liberal rants!only a few days go by and I hear from you or Joanne with something cool to ponder . Whether it's checking in after your Friday workout or sending a pic of Charcoal from EYW . The Friday blog is a high light . A way to convey and ascribe to the written word ! So whether I call CC a fat loser or Puig a scum bag you are always right there to come back at me with a more reasonable response . It goes without saying that you and Jo have helped my recovery immensely . Not everyone can get hit by an 18 wheeler in Denver and live to talk about it ! Thank you for always CHECKING IN !

Hollander sends

I make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends, especially those that are dealing with health and/or life challenges, no matter the intensity....Connecting through emails, cards mailed through the post office or phone calls is always welcomed by those dealing with issues. The little human touch takes but a moment and goes a long way...