The following is approximately a months worth of texts from my mother. I'm clearing out my phone and need to get rid of this loooooooong conversation chain, but as I went to delete them, I couldn't bear to not record the absurdity of the way we communicate for posterity. [Feel free to skip this one, dear readers!]
Hi E, how was your day? Love mom
Hi E, how was your day? Love mom
Hi mom, sorry, phone was still on vibrate from work! Today was long and busy!
Ok. At least you can sleep late. Good nite. love mom
Oh did the walker walk Fluffy today?
Mar. 22
How are you & Fluffy? Love mom
Hi mom, we're good. I'm on my way to see hunger games midnight showing, very excited! How are u and dad?
We are ok. Enjoy movie. Be careful goin home. Love u
I couldn't sleep. Did u get home ok? Love mom
Mar. 23
Yes, I did
Ok. Love u. Have a good day love mom
Hi, how was the movie? Love mom
Hi, how was the movie? Love mom
Hi mom, it was okay, not doing any more midnight shows tho!
Why? Long day @ work?
?
Sorry, yes, long day
Get some rest. Love u
Mar. 24
Good morn. Are you rested? Bridge here today. I'm getting the house ready. Love mom
Good morn. Are you rested? Bridge here today. I'm getting the house ready. Love mom
Hi mom, did you mean to send the same text from this morning?? I am rested, yes, on my way to a birthday party now
Sorry
Mar. 25
Hello, how are you? Love mom
Hi mom, I'm alright, had a busy weekend!
Oh, what did you do?
Birthday party last night, and still recovering from the midnight movie thursday!
Relax. Love u
Mar. 26
Good morning E. How are you? Have you recovered? Love mom
How Are you? Love mom
Hi mom, I'm good, how're you?
Hi, we are ok. I will get a shot in right hip. Pain trying to come back. Hold on exercise until. After shot. Take care of yourself & fluffy. Love mom
Oooooh, sorry to hear that :( when are you getting the shot?
Thur. Getting it early before the discomfort gets severe like last year. when I have trouble walking & fell the razor blade cutting sensation I know now it's bad.
Mar. 31
Hello E. How are you today? Love mom
Are you ok?
Hi mom, sorry, phone's been in other room. I'm fine!
Ok. Love u
Apr 1
Hi, how are you? Did you get the car information from your dad?
Hi mom, I'm good, had brunch with S today. And yep, I got it yesterday
Ok. Did you take fluffy back? Love mom
Nope I have him for another week
Ok. Love u.
Love you too good night!
Apr 3
Hi, how are you? Love mom
Hi mom, I'm alright, working on dissertation stuff tonight
Ok. Proud of you. Love mom
Apr 4
Hi E, how was your day? We are in [town where my grandmother lives]. Love mom
Hi mom, today was fine, busy but good! Tell grandma I say hello!
Apr 5
We came to {town} to go with your grandma to dr. She is fine. Her echo was different from last year & they want to compare and see why changes. Your grandma & dad ate chicken feet. I have my limits none for me. Love mom
Are you ok? No reply.
Sorry yes! Didn't see your txt before. Heading to bed, thanks for letting me know about grandma!
Ok. Good nite. Love u
Apr 6
Hi, how are you? Is today a holiday for you?
Hi mom, no it's not, we're working today!
Your grandma's diagnosis aortic stenosis possible open heart surgery.
Are you ok? Your voice sounded angry when you hung up. Love mom
Good nite E. Love mom
Good night mom, sorry I didn't txt back, I was a bit upset b/c I said I didn't understand why you texted me instead of calling me about grandma and you brushed it off and said "oh ok" and went on with the conversation...so that's why I might have sounded different
Sorry E. I'm a little fatigued. Please excuse.
Apr 8
Hi, left you a message earlier.
Is everything ok?
Hi mom, sorry have been with friends all day, at dinner now, haven't gotten to listen to your vmail
Ok. Just wanted to talk.
Apr 9
Hi, how are you? Love mom
just got out of seeing titanic 3d. I'm fine,will try to call tomorrow!
Ok. Love mom
Apr 10
Hi, love u mom
Hi, love u mom
Hi mom. Sorry didn't see your text earlier
Ok. Just making sure you're alright. Love u
Okay. I'm fine, just busy/tired
I understand busy/tired that was my day busy/tired. Trying to rest my nerves now. Good nite. Love mom
Apr 11
Hi, how are you? Love mom
Hi, how are you? Love mom
Apr 12
Hi E, I'm @ work. How are you? Love mom
Hi mom, I'm alright, ready for Friday. How's your back?
Hi, my back is better. Joined golds gym. Went to gym mon & wed. Your dad is taking your grandma to dr. today. Will decide date for surg. Friday will be here soon enough. Hang in there. Love mom
Apr 13
How was your day? Love mom
Hi mom, it was ok, going to see a movie then home. Got your email, will call tomorrow to find out about grandma. 'Night!
Ok. Be safe. Love mom
Apr 14
Hi, how are you? Love mom
Hi, how are you? Love mom
I got your text mom, on my way home from something will call in a bit.
Fin
Reading this back, all I can say is...sigh. I don't understand her. I wish I did.
She's bored and she needs a dog.
ReplyDeleteI agree with MakingSpace.
ReplyDeleteAlso I hope your grandmother is going to be okay.
Ever think that she just loves you and wishes you were more a part of her life? You are short with her, she is obviously struggling and sad and lonely. Just my opinion, but give your mom a break.
ReplyDeleteHope your gma is okay.
So, I just saw this last comment from Anonymous. Have I ever thought that she loves me and wishes she were more a part of my life? Absolutely, I think that very often, and she has said as much. I have also said as much to her. But there's a lot of painful history, painful interactions, and attempts on my part to clear the air with my mother and move us into a closer, more open relationship that have been politely nodded at and "yes dear"-ed, and then nothing has changed. I can see how I might seem callous and not understanding, but please know that that's not the case. My bemusement is how I deal with being so sad that my mother and I are...well, like what you read.
ReplyDelete