The talk of closure is misguided. No matter how “closed” the relationship with a loved one who’s passed on, there are still a desire to be close to that person. I write about it in my book Life’s Leadership Lessons as I shared the story of my son’s death. The bereaved seek to connect through a video, photos, or the aroma of their clothing.

For Charles Whiting of Irvington, New York, a key connection was lost when Verizon changed systems. A voice message she made was no longer available to him. The daily time the 80-year-old man spent listening to her voice was void.

Fortunately a contractor was able to find the message in the Verizon archives. It has been restored and is now back in a positive part of Charles’ daily life.

Labels: Generation, Traditionalists

¶ 3/19/2008