How to include missing links at your holiday reunion
The Indianapolis Star
Here are some suggestions on how to link with missing loved ones over the holidays:
By phone:
— Call the person and pass the phone around so everyone can say hi, or use a speaker phone.
— Set up a conference call.
— Use three-way calling, which lets you talk with two people at the same time.
— Fax photos, written material or children's art to the missing persons at your reunion.
By Internet:
— E-mail text messages and photos.
— Use instant-messaging, which can include voice and video chatting. Aim the camera at the family table, so it's almost like the loved one is there.
— Set up a family Web site. Many Internet companies provide them, including www.homestead.com and www.MyFamily.com.
Other methods
— Plan for family members to toast at the same time, no matter where they are.
— Set aside time to remember those who can't be there, and those who've died in the past year.
— Buy a commemorative ad in the newspaper; include the missing person's photo.
— If the person is in a nursing home or hospital, make a banner and have it hung where they can see it.
— Record a message on a "talking" photo frame or photo album.
Special delivery thoughts:
— Send pictures or videos from the gathering.
— Send flowers, candy or a special meal on the day of the gathering.
— Send a series of remembrances over a period of time, such as the 12 days of Christmas.
Sources: Edith Wagner, editor of Reunions magazine (www.reunionsmag.com); Liz Dorn, spokeswoman for the SBC communications corporation.
