I email my 106-year-old grandmother every Friday. It’s one of the most meaningful commitments I’ve ever made.

• Two years ago, I came up with the idea to email my grandmother every Friday.
• I keep her up-to-date with my travels, and she offers advice and keeps updated about family news.
• Our messages help me feel connected even when I’m so far from home.

Growing up, I often lived in a different state or country from my grandma, who turned 106 years old in June. I knew her mostly from the letters she wrote me, which I’d save in my desk, and my parents would have to remind me to write back or call.

But two years ago, just before I started graduate school abroad, I decided I wanted to take the initiative to have a closer relationship with her and came up with the idea to email her every Friday.

Although I only see her every year or two, we’ve kept up our email tradition ever since. They make that physical gap between us feel much smaller, and have become a kind of journal for me — something I never could keep on paper.

Emails are the best way for us to stay in touch

My grandma prefers emails to other forms of communication because her hearing isn’t great for calls, and it’s hard for her to read small handwriting.

It’s also easy for her to forward emails to other family members, as she’s the point of contact for many.

I like emailing, too, because she’s one of the few family members I contact this way, so it feels special. She’s also the only person to contact my old email address, which means I have an account I only use with her.

Our consistent emails are one of the few routines I hold sacred

Sometimes, even before I open her message, I’ll smile seeing the subject line, often filled with exclamation marks and smiley faces.

Every email from her starts with “Dearest Catherine,” ends with a variation of “Lovingly, G’ma,” and has a familiar warmth that instantly makes me feel like I’m home.

In return for keeping her up to date with my life and constant travels, I receive advice, family news, and lots of emojis. She shares what flowers are blooming outside her window, what her retirement home is serving for lunch (she always wishes they had cake instead of pie), and the latest baseball stats.

Although she’s done lots of her own traveling, she tells me she lives vicariously through me and that my travels help her learn about the world.

What I love most, though, is her attitude. She’s a positive ray of sunshine in my life — my biggest cheerleader, who always encourages me to explore, stay safe, and enjoy myself.

She also has an incredible memory and constantly reminds me of birthdays, anniversaries, and family history I would otherwise forget. I’ve learned so many stories from her, and they help me feel connected even when I’m thousands of miles away (I’m based in Italy now, while she lives in Indiana).

I savor her responses and often read them aloud to my boyfriend on Saturday morning over a cup of coffee.

Since moving out of America, I wanted to find little ways to stay more connected with my family. Knowing I have someone to witness my life and listen to my concerns while also keeping me up-to-date with family news keeps me connected.

It’s a ritual that reminds me how simple, intentional communication can bridge generations and continents — and make both of us feel a little less alone.

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