It makes good conversation kindling in January.

 

"Do you have any resolutions?" Even though most of us have spotty track records for follow through, it provides a variation from the standard greeting.

 

A friend prefaced her answer with a disclaimer, though she had a sweet wish. 

 

"I probably won't last a week, but I am trying to be a better listener." 

 

Already she had made good on the intention. There was a car with a bumper sticker about suicide prevention, and the driver was sitting there, apparently not in a hurry. My friend poked her head between the cars enough to speak to her. 

 

"Hello. I appreciate the message. Can I ask about your story?" 

 

There emerged a tender dialogue about heartbreak, and people gone too early. When it was time to go about their day my friend asked for her contact information, should they want to continue. The next morning she tried the email address, but the handwriting was a bit iffy, and the message bounced. Later she called the phone number and left a message, unsure if she had that right either. There was no return call. 

 

Maybe a single interaction is enough. I can recall connections from years ago with people that I have not seen since. Which turns the maybe into surety.