After student friendships grewby
with students coming to my
home city then returning home
for careers more scattered
friendships built up around
my changing homes and jobs.
Now as we contacted each other
by card and phone at Christmas
the year caught us in the
crises of our later years.
A stroke struck friend who
rang me after her husband’s
death rang again for Christmas.
she couldn’t write cards this year.
Lupus and arthritis limit a
friend who with their daughter
put her husband of fifty years
into care. She could not keep
him or herself safe. she rang.
she couldn’t write cards this year.
Third onset cancer killed a friend
who only wanted close family nearby.
She couldn’t write cards this year.
Her husband later replied to
cards sent by unknowing friends.
One friend lean and fit always
eating healthy suffered a stroke
at work where they called for help.
she wrote her cards this year.
Previously posted February 2018.
lifecameos 
It’s so sad.
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It certainly is.
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We didn’t write cards this year, due to a series of family emergencies that culminated in my father in law passing away. We sent an email explaining, received lots of lovely messages and phone call in return.
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So sorry for your loss. I had no Christmas funerals this year, but the cost of postage stamps had increased hugely. I got few in return and have decided to send emails at Christmas in future. I tried that a while ago and people replied with Christmas cards ! I do not think they will do that now.
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Yes I agree- Xmas emails are the way to go.
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