I think for so many, the silver lining should be a simple message—that happiness is found at home, and from within. I’m thankful for all the travelling my spouse and I got to do in our 45 years together. We saw so many countries and met interesting people. But we never knew the contentment we had right here. Dusting off the Scrabble board we’d bought in ’75 and taking it out on the back, screened-in porch was so enjoyable—with the bonus of seeing and hearing all the birds chirping! —Margaret Waggoner, Florida
After being forced to cancel a much-anticipated trip to Hyderabad for a cousin’s wedding, my brothers’ family and mine began regular and frequent video chats to make up for our absence. In the process, we’ve reignited a wonderful sibling relationship that often went neglected due to our daily grind. It’s reinforced my belief that maintaining connections is definitely worth all the effort. —Sudha Chandrasekaran, Coimbatore
My daughter told me that people in nursing homes and assisted-living centres were looking for pen pals to help them combat the loneliness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have always loved to write and receive letters, but a handwritten letter has become a rarity. So I jumped on the opportunity to resurrect this passion of mine. Initially, I sent out three letters to three assisted-living facilities in three states. I received one reply from a wonderful man in New Hampshire. So far we have exchanged three letters, and I have made a new friend. —E.S. via rd.com
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BOOKS
Books review
STUDIO - Off Lamington Road by Gieve Patel
Oil on Canvas, 54 x 88 in
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE
FOODS THAT FIGHT DEMENTIA
TO HELL AND BACK
The Darvaza crater in Turkmenistan is known as the Gates of Hell. I stood on its edge - and lived to tell the tale
THE SNAKE CHARMERS
Invasive Burmese pythons are squeezing the life out of Florida's vast Everglades. An unlikely sisterhood is taking them on
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL
Just Sit Tight
Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, I desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"
Allow Me to Mansplain...
If there's one thing we know, it's this: We're a nation of know-it-alls
THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR (AND SUGAR SUBSTITUTES!)
It's no secret that we have a serious addiction. Here's how to cut back on the sweet stuff, once and for all.