Text Message

Sunday, October 11, 2009

It has become our habit—my son texting me at the end of his weekend nights to let me know how the evening's gone for him. It was his decision to begin this tradition, his way of giving me a certain measure of peace. Here I come, to this desk at 4 AM. There is the red message light, flashing.

He's got a gang of friends, this son of mine, and the news is always varied. When I read his missives off the tiny screen, I conflate his words with my own imagination.

Hey, Mom, reads the latest. Tonight was great. We pretty much stayed in but then we went to IHop at 2 in the morning. It was really fun.

So that I see him laughing. I see him with his backwards cap and his plate piled high with French toast and extra syrup. I see these friends around him—the guys and the girls—who call him by his nickname, Smooth, and who have become his second family. We live our lives toward so many goals. I live my greatest joys through him.

12 comments:

kristen spina said...

What a great kid. And I love your last line. True for so many of us, these greatest joys.

Anonymous said...

that is so heart-warming.

Beth F said...

You are so blessed in your son.

Lenore Appelhans said...

Too bad my father does not have text messaging enabled on his phone.

Marjolein Reads said...

Hi Beth!
Just read about your upcoming book, I am really looking forward to read and review it. (I reviewed House of dance previously)
love your last blog post!

Maya Ganesan said...

So sweet. That moment gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. :)

word verification: train

septembermom said...

Your last line of your post is truly touching. You have such a beautiful relationship with your son. I'm all smiles now :)

bermudaonion said...

If it wasn't for text messages, I wonder if I'd ever hear from my son.

Sherry said...

This is a great idea.

Kelly H-Y said...

I love that your son does this.

Em said...

Ha, I had to up my text messaging allowance b/c my mom and dad text me so much. It's nice to have that quick, unexpected "hello, I'm here."

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