At one of my first jobs I was responsible for reading the two daily newspapers and cutting out any articles that mentioned the political campaign I was working on. I was a miniature clipping service, mimicking a commercial operation hired for larger organizations. But the clipping services I am more intrigued by are the personal ones and the ways technology have changed them.
My late mother-in-law frequently sent us letters detailing her daily life and enclosing assorted newspaper clippings. I rarely understood the importance of the news articles because I had no connection with the places or people. But I failed to see past my disinterest. Now I belatedly realize that in so many words she was saying to us “I thought of you when I read this. I miss talking in person. When you read this I hope we are connecting somehow.”
Today the same phenomenon takes place, this time with forwarded articles from the internet. Whether or not the sender is correct in assuming the recipient will be interested, I think the unspoken message is the same. “I thought of you when I read this. I wish we were at the table reading the newspaper together. When you read this I hope we are connecting somehow.”
I will try to remember this next time someone sends me a forwarded story. There are many ways to say I am thinking about you.
Saved By Words 
That’s a lovely way to think of it, and so true. Folks used to think twice about picking up the phone because long-distance rates were so high. We take it for granted now that we can call anyone and chat as long as we want, although too often people choose to just text.
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I never remember sending or receiving clippings, but I do agree that forwarding links to articles is definitely the modern version.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes I agree. I’m always sending links to artiicles and YouTube videos.
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A lovely thought!
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When I saw your clippings, I was taken back to grade school, where we brought in clippings from the local papers, for a reason that now escapes me. We got the Seattle PI, now defunct, and others got the Seattle Times. I remember being slightly jealous of those with the Times as their clippings always had larger dramatic pictures.
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Hi Elizabeth, this is interesting. No one has ever sent me newspaper clippings. I generally only get jokes, but I’m sure that serves the same purpose.
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Nice one Betsy. Even a simple over the net means I am thinking of you.🥰
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That is what your mother was trying to say, and that is exactly what people are trying to say when they forward an article. Thank you, as I will try to remember this, too.
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I wonder if it’s a generational thing. My grandmother used to do the same thing.
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A good example of connecting the ages
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Good point
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I love your wisdom & insight here Elizabeth. Thank you!
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So true, Elizabeth! 🙂
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aww that’s a nice way to think it
❤️😍
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Somehow I very rarely read forwards. I like your point.
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