Once upon a time, the telephone at our home hung on the hallway wall. It had a long, coiled cord attached so the receiver would reach to my room. I would rush home from school and finish my homework so I could call Jean Chapman to discuss all that had happened that day at Savannah High School, particularly on the playground. Jean was my best friend since first grade, all through school. We later visited each other's college campuses, and we remain in touch today, now that she is Jean Chapman-Hill.

But, today, my telephone is a tiny little thing that fits into the palm of my hand. The cell phone has no cords, except the one attached to the charger. Oh yeah, there is the invisible cord that is attached to me. If I am sitting in the den reading, my phone is sure to ring in the other room. And at my age, getting up from my recliner is more than a notion.  So, I find myself checking to make sure I have my phone with me when I move from room to room.

It is sort of burdensome trying to be available by phone at all times. But like the title of Andrew Young's book, it is an easy burden. I don't want to miss a text or call from my friends and family. It's the way we stay connected. And with some, it is the manner in which we socialize these days. Experts say that socialization staves off dementia. Chatting on the phone to stay in touch sure does keep our minds percolating with information, just like it did in grammar school. (smile)