I am old enough to identify with The Age of Aquarius (yep, hearing The Fifth Dimension now). Technically, I am a Baby Boomer. And now I have slid into the parameters of another group which I have self named The Age of the Phone Call.
Recently, I got a text from a college friend. It simply said, "We need to chat asap". The "asap" signified it was important, but the fact it was a text and not a call let me know it wasn't "one of those calls".
Sure enough, it was a cancer diagnosis for a mutual friend. The positive side, they think it was caught early enough for a hopeful prognosis. But once again, it reminded us of our mortality. The call ended with the usual promises of keeping in touch and making time to see each other. My final words were, "Love ya, Rog". His final words were "Love ya, Cyn".
The next morning, my phone flashed an incoming call from Roger's daughter. I was in the middle of breakfast, so decided to let it go to voice mail. I would call her back after my caffeine fix. But within 15 minutes, she was calling again. My heart sank.
I remember the words "massive heart attack" and "he's gone". I was in shock and she was still in shock. Nothing was making sense. I had spoken to him less than 12 hours prior, this simply could not be.
But it was and three weeks later, I still struggle to comprehend it. I still cry when I think of that final phone call, never imagining it would be my last with him.
I know this won't be the last time I will get one of these phone calls, and I know there is no way to ever be prepared for one. I have reached that age. The only thing I can do is remind myself every morning of my blessings, including those who are dear to me. And then maybe give them a call, just to say "I love you".
