Kathy and I used to leave messages on our son’s voice mail. We worried because he wouldn’t return our calls. Is he hurt? Did we do something wrong?
Turns out, he doesn’t even check his voice mail. The way to reach him is through text messages. He always checks them. So we stopped trying to phone him and started texting him. Sure enough, he responded immediately—every time.
We have learned to adapt our style to that of our children and grandchildren.
Believe it or not my fellow codgers, we have come to like the convenience of sending text messages. Phone calls are intrusive—you must stop what you’re doing to answer the dang thing. If the call goes to voice mail, then you start an endless round of “phone tag.” More intrusions follow.
With a text message we ask a quick question and get a quick response.
When we receive a text message we can decide when to answer rather than drop what we’re doing at the moment.
Geezer Analogy
Texting is like when the milkman started putting your milk jugs in the insulated box on your porch instead of knocking on your door. It’s there, but you don’t have to stop wallpapering to answer the door.
Recently, I sent a text message to my granddaughter Ellen asking if she was going to see the fireworks in Salt Lake City and if she could see pictures on her text messages. She replied quickly that, yes, they were going to the fireworks and, no she cannot see pictures. Quick question followed by quick answer.
In my travels, I send messages to Kathy. A quick “DFW” message lets her know I’ve landed safely.
I also send pictures I take with my iPhone. When I see regional humor, I send them along. Recently in Duluth I saw this restaurant sign offering Walleye Eggs Benedict.
Walleye Eggs Benedict
The Cost
I pay a penny a message. It’s much cheaper than long distance calls from my home phone.
What You Need
You’ll need a mobile phone. If you’re going shopping, get a phone that has a alphanumeric keyboard (iPhone, Droid) so that you don’t need to hit a number key multiple times to type a letter. If it only has a numeric keypad like old phones, you have to hit the “2” key three times to enter the letter “C.” You don’t want to do that. Your friendly mobile phone provider will help you select the right one.
If you don’t already have text messaging turned on, you’ll need to contact your service provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) and make arrangements. Brace yourself these guys know nothing about good customer service. Poor yourself a nice cup of prune juice and settle in for a nice long conversation. Better yet, drive to the service provider’s store and get in line. Bring a lawn chair.
Find out how to send the messages.
- Ask someone to show you
- Try it out yourself, it’s not hard
If you’re one of those old folks who say, “I’ll never do any of that high-tech crap,” I say, “Enjoy your loneliness.” If you adapt, you can improve your communications and relationships with your kids and grandkids.
I wish you every success and happiness,
David DeFord
