Telephone Conversations

Dad does really well speaking on the telephone. I don’t know if he’s more relaxed because you aren’t right in front of him or what have you, but he is able to articulate very well. I call Mom and Dad’s several times a day, mostly to make sure Mom hasn’t slept until who knows when (she is NOT an early riser like Dad and I), but also to talk to Dad. This morning I called the house and cell both with no answer. I used to panic when no one answered, thinking one of them had fallen, something bad had happened. Now that I’m more relaxed, realizing and accepting what is not in my control, I don’t panic anymore. If something were to happen then something were to happen. It’s out of my hands. Anyway, I gave it half an hour and called back. Dad answered. The only way to describe how he answers the phone is adorable. “Hello,” he says in a quiet but raised voice. He actually reminds me very much of his mother, my Oma, on the phone. “Hi Dad, how are you?” I asked. He replied, “Did you call before?” I said to him, “I did but you didn’t answer.“ He began, “I was...,” and then he stumbled for a second. I waited, then chimed in, “In the bathroom?” He laughed and replied, “Yes, in the bathroom.” I laughed. “Is Mom up?” I asked. “Yes, she’s taking a shower,” he told me. “Awesome! That’s what I was looking to hear. She’s going to get breakfast for you?” He replied, “Yes, cereal.” I said, “That’s right. Make sure you remind her to use the milk, not the light cream.” He repeated, “Yes, milk.” I said, “Ok, I have to go, I will talk to you later.” He replied, “OK, bye.” We hung up. Doesn’t sound like much of a conversation does it? Except for the complete sentences he strung together without a thought in the world. I don’t know, maybe it really doesn’t take much to make me happy, because that conversation made my day.