I’ve had a smart phone since…well, since phones became smart. I love my phone…and my iPad, and my iWatch, and my Echo, and my laptop, and…you get the picture. I’m a techno-geek. My phone is quite literally my brain. I need to write down people’s phone numbers one of these days because I don’t even know my own children’s numbers off the top of my head. I haven’t had to memorize a phone number or address in too many years to count. It all started with the Palm Pilot and then a Blackberry. Android put some color in my life but Apple is where I live nowadays.

I was struck yesterday by how much my iPhone has helped me since losing Mr. Virgo. From helping me cope with the brain fog of grief to holding precious photos at my fingertips, this thing has been invaluable. I make lists of important things that need my attention. I keep track of passwords, finances, the daily news, and weather. I can leave notes on Mr. Virgo’s Facebook page on important dates and see when people stop in to leave a kind word about him. The contact list and Google are irreplaceable. But the calendar? The calendar is my brain.

Last month, I learned that one of my friends lost her daughter to cancer. I immediately set an alarm on my calendar to remind me to touch base with her on the one month Angelversary which was yesterday. I made a meme in one of my apps a while back that simply says, “I prayed for you today.” When the reminder showed up on my phone, I said a prayer for comfort and strength for my friend and sent her the meme. A few minutes later she replied that it had meant so much to her that I remembered. I can’t remember anything like I used to, let alone dates, so I quickly admitted I was prompted by my phone. But, it meant a lot to her and showed me yet another way I can be supportive of those on this grief journey alongside me. From now on, I will put a note in my calendar to remind me to pray for my friends and family who have lost someone. It only takes a moment to save a date, say a prayer and send a text and it can make a huge difference in someone’s day…especially after some time has passed and folks have gotten back to their lives.

One of my daughter’s high school friends was still sending me messages after a year had passed. Just to let me know she was thinking of me and how much she loved me. These are the gifts we can give each other. I can guarantee you, 100% of us will experience the death of a loved one who is close to us. If it hasn’t happened yet, it will. Be that person who reaches out. You may never know what a difference you have made in someone’s life. You will never regret that. ❤️

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬