Brian, that is indeed the problem with modern communications. Years ago, especially if overseas, you could write a letter on an 'in-case' basis with neither breach of security nor undue worry.
Years ago we had an AEO who always phoned his wife just before we left ops to fly (UK Training Sortie) and would ring her the moment he got back in to ops be it post flight or a delayed flight. We thought it was very sad as what would she go through if there was no phone call?