The call arrived on Saturday evening at approximately 9:40 PM. “Hey Mom,” the familiar voice greeted me. I paused, a smile spreading across my face, and instinctively made my way to his old bedroom—once a sanctuary that shielded him from the outside world. Now, as a college sophomore, he had established a new home, a different nest, a fresh place to rest his head each night.
As I glanced around his former room, I lay on his bed, yearning for him to be there beside me, asking for head scratches or a back rub.
“How was your day?” I inquired. This simple question opened the door to the most fulfilling thirty minutes I had experienced all week.
Our usual communication was through texts, checking in on his meals, sleep, dwindling bank account, upcoming assignments, and weekend plans. Our exchanges typically revolved around practical matters.
However, this call felt different. With no immediate obligations or places to rush off to, we settled in and engaged in conversation. He shared stories about his new living arrangements, the dog he had for the summer, recent friendships, and even his culinary mishaps. We laughed together, exchanged stories, and genuinely connected. It was a raw and genuine interaction, reminiscent of our past conversations, and I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, lying on his old bed.
That night, I recognized how deeply I missed him. I longed for his infectious laugh, his morning and evening greetings, the way he animatedly recounted tales, his genuine interest in my day, his playful banter with his younger sibling, his endless inquiries about dinner, and the sound of his large feet padding down the hallway to share something with me. Most importantly, I missed his voice.
While texting keeps us in touch, actual conversations create meaningful connections. There’s immense value in verbally communicating, yet texting has largely replaced face-to-face dialogue. We often type rather than talk, leading to misinterpretations of emotions. A simple “LOL” cannot match the warmth of his laughter, nor can an emoji replace the joy his deep voice brings me. Hearing him narrate a story, filled with emotion and inflection, is like a balm for my soul.
As our call concluded that night, I felt a profound sense of fullness—one far richer than any Thanksgiving feast. This fullness stemmed from love, not food. I had spoken with the little boy who once required nightly lullabies, who said his prayers out loud, and who first called me “Mom.” His voice brought back precious memories, and even though he was miles away, I felt closer to him than I had in ages. I wrapped him in a hug with my words, and his parting “Love you, Mom” filled a void in my heart I had forgotten existed.
Those thirty minutes were extraordinary because, for that brief moment, it felt as if nothing had changed.
Discover more about meaningful connections in our other blog posts, such as this one on home insemination kits. Also, for expert insights, check out Make a Mom, which specializes in fertility topics, and visit CCRM IVF for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
A heartfelt conversation with my son brought back cherished memories and a sense of connection that transcended our usual text exchanges. In those thirty minutes, I experienced a deep sense of love and closeness that reminded me of the bond we share, despite the distance between us.