Many families are spread geographically far apart and staying connected can be a challenge these days. While technology offers many ways to communicate, it often lacks the warmth of true human connection. But one family has turned a simple WhatsApp call into a revered tradition— it is now a thread that keeps them connected across five countries, three time zones, and multiple generations.

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How a Family Found Connection Through Grief

I was recently speaking with my hairdresser, who told me a story that I believe is worth re-telling. When her aunt, her father’s beloved sister, passed away suddenly during COVID, the Edwards family found themselves separated by geography and pandemic restrictions. They knew that notifying their father of her sudden death would be devastating to him. They decided to get on a WhatsApp call together to be present while sharing this news so they could all be emotionally supportive to him. Their father, a typically stoic man, struggled to express his grief. But surrounded by his family, with his grandchildren reassuring him that it was okay to let go, he finally broke down and cried. It was a moment of raw emotion, a release he may not have allowed himself otherwise, and a proof of the power of family support on the then live WhatsApp video chat. 

They decided to keep communicating in the week after her death, checking in with each other daily. What began as a way to provide comfort gradually transformed into something more—a dedicated space for reminiscing and storytelling, where the family could share memories, offer support, and strengthen their bonds across the miles. The daily call then became a routine three times(!) weekly call that they all took time out from their busy schedules to attend.

Often on these calls the elders share memories of their childhoods, recounting tales that might have otherwise been lost. Stories of growing up by the ocean, enduring hurricanes, mischievous adventures, and family traditions are exchanged, often leading to laughter from these heartfelt reflections. These moments not only preserve family history, but also strengthen the bond between generations, giving younger family members a deeper appreciation of their roots.

These WhatsApp calls are more than a technological convenience—they are a lifeline. They prevent loneliness in elders by maintaining a sense of daily-life connection. They also have become the highlight of the week for many family members of all ages. They serve to honor the family’s history, traditions, and shared experiences. Rather than simply playing ‘catch up’ on these calls, they are actively creating new memories by sharing their lives together, despite the distance.

 

In Our Next Post…

The Edwards family’s commitment to connection doesn’t stop at video calls. The next generation has found another powerful way to stay in touch—through the lost art of handwritten letters. In our next post, we’ll explore how letter writing has become a cherished family tradition, adding a layer of warmth and anticipation that even modern technology can’t replace.

P.S. Just this past week, the Edwards family experienced another tragic and sudden loss of a 45-year old cousin. The WhatsApp call happened within a few hours of her death, with 27 in attendance, where the family shared the shocking news (and wept) together for hours on that day. They have gone back to meeting daily again.