On Tuesdays, Two Writing Teachers hosts the Slice of Life. Everyone is welcome to share writing and comment on others in this special community.
All four of my daughters share the endearing habit of calling when they are walking somewhere. Or driving. Or experiencing a few moments of nothingness. I will never not be grateful for the random call and the voice on the other end telling me "just checking in and saying hi." And also, I'm not sure that I will ever not worry until I hear that line and know that all is okay. It really is a check-in.
Tonight I had to laugh when Cecily, the youngest, checked in on her way home from classes. She has a fifty-minute commute a couple times a week, so someone is sure to hear from her. I was a little surprised to get her call, though, because I'd had a lengthy chat with her earlier in the day on her way to school.
"You okay?" I asked before I said much else.
"Oh yes, yes," she assured me. "I just tried a lot of other people first, and no one else could talk or would pick up."
"Cecily," I said. "Did you really just say that? Way to make a mom feel loved and special."
"No, no," she said, realizing the error of her ways. "I didn't mean it that way."
We laughed. She went on to tell me about her classes and the books her professor was having her read for several miles. I think I got her through a few towns, and who knows... maybe someone else higher on the call ladder was ready to talk to her by then.
But how lucky am I to have daughters who check in and even feel comfortable enough to admit my standing on the call ladder.
I'll take it.
Laughing at the call ladder.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome it is to be able to keep your daughters company in this way!
ReplyDeleteI love your phrase: "my standing on the call ladder." I connect to this slice SO much as my oldest ALWAYS will call as she is walking to grocery shopping. Another might be annoyed but like you, I always pick up and I am always happy for the call. Even if it is, like your daughter so honestly says, "no one else could talk or would pick up"!!
ReplyDelete110% agree! Mine tend to call when they are cooking! I feel like I'm on a cooking show sometimes but, like you, I'll take any call anytime, for any reason!
ReplyDelete"I just tried a lot of other people first, and no one else could talk or would pick up."
ReplyDeleteHahahaha! You're the top of the call ladder for some things and on a lower rung for others. The point is, you're on the ladder. They will always need you!
Melanie, you are lucky because this does not happen often w/ boys. They don’t understand the mime gene the way girls do.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, you are indeed lucky to have them share their adventures and fill their time with you! Cherish those moments.
ReplyDeleteI love it. My college aged daughter also calls on her way to pick up dinner or walking back to her apartment at the end of the day. Each time I am grateful she thinks of me and wants to share that time.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! My son used to call lots on his long commute, but then he started working remotely. Now he often calls when walking his dog. My middle child calls when walking their dog, too. I think I need to get on my youngest to establish a schedule! lol I, too, am grateful that I have children who call regularly and share their news.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, this is great. Enjoy your girls and their wonderful chatting.
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