i just called my sister this evening for christmas. for about 16 years, she only gave us her PO box and called my dad a couple of times a year. now she's had a phone for under a year and i can call her. she sounds so glum and sad and alone. (she's now, for less than a year, living in a home for retirees and disabled people-she's 50). it's upsetting to speak with her but despite her lack of enthusiasm, i heard that she likes calls. it's hard to make a connection. i live in another country. i sent her some nice wool gloves that she requested as a gift and some nice wool slipper socks. any info about your experience is welcome. sad sister.