Have you ever broken a promise to yourself for something that unexpectedly connected you to someone you've lost? That's exactly what happened when I subscribed to The New York Times after vowing never to accumulate publications again.
When we moved from our apartment a few years ago, we discovered mountains of magazines and newspaper clippings tucked away in closets and corners—evidence of my fundraising career, my husband's modeling hobby, and our shared love of reading. The sheer volume prompted a solemn vow: no more paper subscriptions. Yet here I am, with daily delivery of The New York Times in all its physical glory.
The newspaper has become more than just a source of information. With its quality reporting and surprisingly superior paper texture, it has unexpectedly transported me back to memories of my former boss Ruth, who always had The New York Times with her in the office. This month would have been her 76th birthday, four and a half years after her unexpected passing. As I turn each page, I feel connected to her unique, quirky personality that left such an impression on everyone she met. The newspaper has become a bridge between past and present, a tangible reminder of someone important.
Now I face a new challenge: the practice of "reading and letting go" rather than saving interesting articles. It's a small but meaningful exercise in impermanence that feels particularly poignant as I simultaneously help organize a memorial service for a friend's mother and set up Halloween decorations in the sweltering heat. Life continues its flow, and perhaps this newspaper subscription is teaching me to appreciate the moment without needing to preserve everything physically.
Join me next week as we tackle another topic together. If this resonated with you, please follow the Only Child Diaries podcast, leave a rating, and share with a friend who might enjoy these conversations about navigating adulthood with humor and light.
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