It makes my stomach tense to look around this room and see four of us at any given time on computers, on the phone, or waiting for either. How vital communication has become, how completely essential. It is as if we check and call to make sure New Jersey is still there or maybe to remind us that we are really here. The emails, the voices on the other end provide such a warm blanket. Malika is on the phone right now and even though she and her husband are fighting, it's obvious that talking to him is all that matters right now.
It makes my stomach knot because I see how intense our needs are. I've never really thought about it before. Every time anyone talks about someone from back home.. a best friend, partner, or parent, I think it's with a new found appreciation.