Who turns on their alarm during vacation? That was my cranky question as my guy began to set his phone alarm for a 6:00 a.m. wake up call.
“Sunrise is at 7:07,” he reminds me. So I accede. We’re vacationing at a spot where the sun rises with insistence in bold sherbet colors above the ocean. We have vowed to ooh and ahh at the sun’s wake-up majesty every morning we’re there.
That said, it’s been a long travel day, and I suggest we give ourselves one ‘sleep-in’ morning – maybe even to 6:45 – and use the alarm for each day after. As far as I know, my guy agrees. Plus, he’s not a phonaholic, which translates to he hardly ever answers his phone and proudly gets mixed up between texts and e-mails and the volume button. I have nothing to worry about.
But I do worry – profoundly – when I’m woken from a deep sleep in the middle of the night by a Beatles’ song. “It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night.”
My mom’s song.
For years that’s been the tune set on my phone for whenever my mom calls. I’m sure many of you know that you can set up different ringtones (and songs) for different phone numbers on your I-Phone. When I get phone calls from most people, my phone rings the Beatles song “From Me to You.” Appropriate, But I chose the phone ring of “A Hard Day’s Night” for my mom back when she was calling me once a day. How I wish she could still do that. But she’s been gone for over a year and a half.
So why was she calling me now? Or perhaps a better question would be, HOW was she calling me now? I popped up from bed and searched frantically for my phone. I found it, on my night table.
Turned off.
The song rang again, loud. “A Hard Day’s Night.” I shivered despite the tropical air surrounding me. My guy rose slowly, saying something intelligent like, “Whaaa?”
“Someone’s calling us,” I explain in a tenuous voice. “On your phone, which is out in the living room.”
“Who?” he asks, then adds, “Don’t answer it.”
How can I ignore a phone call at (I glance blurry-eyed at the clock) 5:30 Hawaii time, 10:30 a.m. East Coast time? Maybe an emergency with the family. But no one calls my guy during an emergency. They call me. Plus, he has never, ever downloaded a song onto his phone.
I sink into the pillow and think of my mom. The phone stops ringing.
Five minutes later, “A Hard Day’s Night” blares loudly in the still-dark villa. I jump. My guy groans. “Ignore it,” he says.
Ha. I have never been able to ignore my mom. By the time I reach his phone in the other room, the music has stopped.
“Hi mom,” I whisper. Then I slink back into the cool sheets and dream of the sunrise to come.
How intriguing. It’s a short story,right?
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A true short story. Sometimes what really happens is the hardest thing to believe. Life is wonderfully mysterious. 🧡
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Life is spooky. I get a similar, though not as alarming, feeling when one of those hearing aid ads come for my mom. And I think if only they could allow her to hear me there is so much I’d like to tell her.
Did you ever find out where the song was coming from? Was there an explanation?
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No explanation- no song on his phone. I like her unique ways to say hi … once I calm down. 😃
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O what a night –
Alarming indeed –
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By sunrise, I was more comforted than alarmed. ☺️
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Wonderful
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Thanks Derrick. 😇
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Wow–this certainly has me wondering, especially since you’ve tagged it creative writing and true story.
Quite a story! I’m never set a ring tone for anyone. I think I’ll keep it that way.😏
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I did make that confusing. This is very much nonfiction and a true story. I guess I tagged it Creative writing because we create a story with our words whether nonfiction or fiction. That’s my creative writing teacher mantra. 🥰😍👍🤨
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💙💙
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Oh Pam – I love how you whispered “Hi Mom.” It makes you think, doesn’t it? Great true story 🧡
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Makes me think that loved ones always find a way to show that their love is never far away. 💜
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I believe that 🧡
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Wow
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My mom always liked to make an entrance.. and that’s still the case. 🙏
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))
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I’m sure that was the sweetest dream ever. Your mother knows what’s going on. She was checking on her little girl and wanted you to know everything will be okay. ❤️
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I was wide awake with that song ringing, too awake to be dreaming. But awake or asleep, I love it when she lets me know she’s always near by. 💓
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A heartwarming story, Pamela. I wonder how that song could be on your guy’s phone if he never set it. It must be a miracle.
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Miracles are everywhere, John!
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Dreams can be so real. Your story brought back a dream of my own. My car was stolen, and I spent the entire night searching for it — until I woke, so convinced it actually had happened I went outdoors to check and make sure it was still there. Now, calls from the beyond? I’d believe that, too!
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I was too wide awake with the song to be dreaming. 🙃 I like your expression of “calls from the beyond.” 💜
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She was thinking of you! How often I’ve headed to the phone to call my Mom to tell her something that’s happened, only to realize she’s gone. She always answered, “Oh, Noelle…” just like we were continuing a conversation all along.
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I relate to what you experience, thinking of calling your mom. ❤️ I do that as well. This time, she decided to call me!
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Truth is stranger than fiction RINGS true here, Pam. As always, a great story; only at the end did I realize you were (probably) dreaming.
Now I’m trying to guess the vacation coordinates. Hawaii? Boston? Somewhere in between??
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That phone ringing “mom’s song” assured me that I was wide awake. Plus, my guy was wakened by it too! He tends to ignore the “whoo whoo” stuff, but I appreciated the wake up call, once I realized it was from love energy. 💕 Yes, we were in Kauai. 🌴
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That gave me shivers, Pam. Miracles do happen. ❤
And I flip-flop on setting my alarm on vacation. I only set it if there's some good reason to do it. Sunrise counts! But not every day… 🙂
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I make sure the alarm is off on weekends. But HI sunrises?? You know they’re worth the alarm. 🌸💥
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They are. But that jet lag really gets me.
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Ugghh. I find this a little creepy and disturbing. 🙃 I hope you enjoyed the vacation Pam!
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Once I relaxed about the wake up call I was energized, Brad. Love never dies. ⭐️
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Sounds like she just wanted you to know she was thinking of you while you were having a much needed vacation. Sometimes, they need to startle you to get your full attention. Then there is no misunderstanding where the call is coming from.
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Exactly Marlene! I kind of love the way my mom gets my attention. Hugs to you. 🥰
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I blame my mom for all the odd sounds in the house. It is wonderful comfort.
Alarms–I have seven set (for meds–yuck!) and at times more. I am thankful for their annoying presense.
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Well, is each of your alarms a different song? That could add to the fun since you have to do it seven times!
Yes, I think my mom would like to be blamed for all the different sounds in my house and half the time I think the blame is well placed. I also like the way she always makes me look at the clock when it turns 4:44.
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Well that’s a tad spooky!
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Wow! Twilight Zone stuff, Pam. I found myself pleased to know this happened. I think your husband and I went to tech school together. I knew that people chose their ringtones, but I didn’t realize that you could select different ringtones for different callers. That’s the best! Of course, my mind is delighted to think up songs for the various people in my life.
A lyric from an Elton John song is now looping in my brain. “I’m a bitch, I’m a bitch, oh, the bitch is back. 🤣🤣🤣
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You are very funny Pete. Yes you and my guy probably went to the same tech school in which an A means you understand nothing at all. 😀
Considering the song you’re singing in your head, I think you could have quite a good time with a different ringtone for each family member or friend on your phone. 🤓
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Aloha! The island magic surrounds you and having known your mom, she’s there!
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Yes!
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Ooooooh, I think your mother wanted you to see that sunset!
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And we did! ☺️🧡
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I’ve had various kinds of dreams but a phone has never been there even when I am surrounded by water, unable to find a safe way, phone is missing. I’ve always preferred sunsets during vacations. 😀 Welcome back Pam.
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Sunrise and sunset with a fun day in between is a perfect vacation day. 😌 This was no dream, Balroop, since my guy heard the same singing alarm. Life IS mysterious. ❤️
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This story is just a re-affirmation that the supernatural does exist. I would, however, have to admonish your mother for calling so early. She must have known you were in Hawaii. 🙂
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Haha. My mom was a go-getter and never believed in sleeping in. 💜
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A great (true) story. Our moms are still out there letting us know we are being watched over.
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Yes!! 💓💕💜
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What a wonderful story. I still have a tape from an old answering machine with my mother’s voice on it. When she called, my husband picked up and, for some reason, the recording didn’t end so I have their brief conversation on tape. I love hearing her voice now and then.
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What a (recording) gift! I’d never erase it. Thanks so much for sharing- our moms’ voices will always be in our heads. 💕
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Perfect Pam, wish I’d written that.
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Thanks Roy. I hope that means you’ve experienced singing alarms as well! 😃
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Love this. I have had similar things happen to me since my parents passed, and I truly believe they are sending me their love. ❤️
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I truly believe they’re sending love as well. Xo
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What a very powerful true story, Pam. You had my heart racing!
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Believe me, my mom had my heart racing too! 😃
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That’s mysterious. I’m glad you found it comforting. My mom was loving but sort of non-intrusive. I don’t think shes would call me. Too bad. That might be nice.
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My mom made herself be known wherever she was, so the singing alarm didn’t surprise me once I understood what was happening. 😁 Thanks so much for reading and commenting. 🙏
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What a wonderful story, Pam! Your mom is just as creative as you are, my friend! 💕
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I never thought of it that way Barbara, but you’re so right!! 💓
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Wow, is the word that comes to mind, Pam. Sometimes things happen in life that we can’t find an explanation for no matter how hard we dig or think, but I do love your ending when you whispered, “Hi Mom.” 💕
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Funny how hard we try to explain the inexplicable. I’ll just enjoy the singing reminder of my mom’s love. Thanks for your sweet comment. 😇
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Wow. What a story. I like it when intriguing, often inexplicable, things happen. Of course saying “Hi Mom” regardless of the situation is never a bad thing.
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That’s how I feel, Ally. I say “hi mom” when a hummingbird arrives, when a rainbow peeks from the clouds, and when the clock gets my attention at 4:44. Her way of saying Hi, I’m sure. 🙂
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Way cool!
That’s a great connection you have with your mom.
Thanks for sharing, Pam.
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THANKS for reading my alarming (true) story, Nancy. Sorry I’m a bit late in responding. A minor surgery delay, but all good now. I’ll be over to your blogging place shortly! xo
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Hope recuperation is going well!
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Yes, happily. 🙂
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My dad would call this “a true story that really happened.” Thanks for the treat!
Enjoy your vacation. I am that person who sets alarms for all things sky-related, regardless of time. Meteor shower peak at 3AM? Alarm set. Even on vacation.
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I replied to you in my mind but realized you may not have “heard” my comment. 🙂 I love your dad’s expression of “a true story that really happened.” I may need to “borrow” it, since I write fiction lots, and then when I write a non-fiction piece, like this one, readers are confused – “did that REALLY happen?” We all know life is much stranger than fiction. Here’s to watching the sky, no matter the time of day (or night). ❤
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What a powerful story, Pam! I am probably the biggest Beatles fan in the universe. Last week I played my old Meet the Beatles record album for my preschool class. I can attest to the fact that “She Loves You” is as popular today as it was way back then. But I digress, as the story is about your mom. I believe those who have left us find ways to still be in touch. This has happened to me before, and it is a treasured memory- like yours is.
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Ahhh, Jennie. We are soul sisters for sure. I raised my kids (now in their early 40s) on the Beatles, so they can sing every tune. And you are giving such a gift to your preschoolers! By the way, my daughter got us tickets to see the Paul McCartney show at Fenway in June. See? I raised her right. 🙂 To treasured memories of our loved ones, living and in a different realm.
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Pam, we are soul sisters! OMG! You are going to Fenway in June to hear Paul McCartney? My heart is pounding. See, raising our kids (and my preschoolers) on the Beatles is and was a joy. My kids are in their early 40’s, too. Yes, these are treasured memories. Best to you, Pam. You must post photos and a story of the concert.
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Good idea! 👍 🎶
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🙂
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Wow, Pam. Isn’t it wonderful when the universe reminds us of what we don’t know and can’t comprehend? That leaves room for endless possibilities, like your mom calling you from wherever she is. Why not, I ask! I loved this. Have a beautiful vacation and enjoy some gorgeous sunrises. ❤ ❤ ❤
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WHY NOT? is the question to ask, instead of “how could that possibly be?” I’ve been learning that the Universe (and love) finds a way to reach us in so many ways. Thanks for your understanding, Diana. ❤
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On those rare occasions when I feel down because of the daily grind and swiftness of time passing, I remember stories like this. ❤ ❤
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Ohhh, Diana. These events keep me going, for sure. Sorry for the lateness in my reply. A bit of minor surgery (ouch) but I’m starting to get back on track. To always remembering that life’s (and love’s) positive energy keeps us from spiraling into the negative. ❤
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I’m glad to hear you’re getting back on track, my friend. You’re a shining light. ❤ ❤
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Oh, I believe! It was your mom. Surely it was. Why wouldn’t it be? (Have just sat here for a few minutes thinking of the day when my mom will be gone…sigh…) Glad your mom hugged and sang to you from right around the corner in a nearby dimension. ❤
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Better to not think of the future when a loved one will be gone, but to show the love now, knowing that the love will never die, even when the physical is gone. My mom shows me this over and over again. Love to you, Kathy. ❤
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I do so believe, Pam! 💗
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Thanks for sharing this reminder that there is still so much in the world we don’t understand. But some things we don’t have to understand, we just have to believe them, I think. And yes, that was your mom…..
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YES, Ann, thank you for your affirmation. I was a little fearful of posting this, since some I’m sure will think I’m overexaggerating or looking for signs that aren’t there. But I’m on the side of not having to understand it all, but to FEEL what’s real. ❤
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HI Pam, how very mysterious. I would have been alarmed too.
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I need to get more used to these fun(funny) messages from my mom. She’s always had a great sense of humor. xo
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Who can avoid calls from Mom! At least you’re in the US and didn’t have to pay high international fees. Hope you had a great time — despite getting up so early!
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🙂 We had a “soft” day’s night every day on vacation. xo
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Oh, my! This story is wonderful and made me tear up a little. My mom has been gone from the physical realm since 2003 and I still miss her every day. I feel compelled to say that I think this was indeed your mom – just letting you know she’s around. I sure wish my mom would call me.
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I believe that we need to be open to the signs/songs/messages. It happens all around us if we believe. So… listen up! 🙂 ❤
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SO your mom called you from beyond the grave and you didn’t pick up?! Do you know how hard it is to dial out from Heaven?!
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I know Mike, I know. But in all honestly, I think it’s easier than we realize, if only we “pick up” on the signs…. 🙂
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What a great story Pam and of course the explanation is just the obvious one! Maybe she thought you’d have more time to pay attention on vacation – though she might have waited until just before sunrise 🙂
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Thanks for being a believer along with me, Andrea! 🌅
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Crazy story, but so lovely that you and your mom are still “connected,” Pam! I hope you two had a fabulous vacation in the tropics. There’s no way I set my alarm for sunrises, even though they are quite spectacular over the Sea of Cortez, when I stumble across one. 🙂
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I never would’ve thought Id set an alarm to see a sunrise but I’ll tell you we did it all 21 days and each one was spectacular! I recommend it ‘cause you are missing out!! 😘 🌅
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Alarming but beautiful. It gave me goosebumps. ❤
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I think you know the signs are there- we just need to acknowledge them. 🙏💜
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I know them well ❤
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That’s something interesting 🙂
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Yes! Mysteriously mystical. 😳
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This is truly amazing!!👏🏻
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Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed my true story. Not as alarming as I first thought… 🙂
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I enjoyed reading this post! How I wish my mom could still phone me. She’s alive but has severe memory impairment plus some speech problems after a couple of strokes. I miss seeing her photo pop up on my phone.
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Ohhh, Carla, I understand how you feel. For years, my mom and I talked on the phone once a day until her dementia took away her ability – she couldn’t figure out what side was up on the phone. What a loss for her, and me. Amazingly, my daughter kept a voice mail message from her grandmother (my mom) before those phone calls ended, and on her birthday, we listen to it. A gift. Hugs to you. So nice of you to visit! ❤
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What a nice idea! I did manage to get a taped conversation on my phone when I visited my mom up in Washington state a few years ago, and it was just as the dementia was starting. I treasure it! My mom now has trouble managing the phone too! The upside is that she always seems cheerful, so she doesn’t seem to be suffering terribly. I’m thankful for that. Hugs back!
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What a gift to your mom and to you that she can be peaceful and cheerful while living with this disease. A true blessing. 🙏
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I am a dyed-in-the-wool night owl, and haven’t seen a sunrise in about 5 years, back when my untrained kitty used to wake me up for attention and food. Finally my then-bf-now-hubby convinced me that I was inadvertently rewarding her behaviour. I had to agree! So somehow – I forget how – I got her out of the habit. But I do see gorgeous sunsets from here on the 14th floor! 🙂
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I understand. Our rhythms must be listened to. When I met my guy, way back when, I was a night owl also. He was a “morning is the best time of day.” One of us had to change, and with little ones, I didn’t have a choice really anyway. 🙂 And now, I’m a dyed-in-the-wool sunrise riser. But I love those sunsets too. To each his own, but thank goodness we can celebrate the beginning and the endings of each day. Thanks so much for reading and commenting! ❤
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Sure. See, I was up at 8 this morning but then went back to sleep! Just got up again at 10:45! But I’ll go to bed tonight around 1 am as usual!
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:-0
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Enjoyed reading your story, Pam and so nice of you and your mom to be connected. Feels good. A great post.
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Thank you. Yes, feels SO good. xo
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You are most welcome, Pam. xxxxxxxx
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Crazy! I know I would have loved your mom. The other stories you have shared have been special so I have no doubt it was her. She couldn’t call YOUR phone because it was turned off. he he.. I have similar stories of people and animals coming to visit. Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing your “Hi Mom” with us! ❤
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Thanks for believin’, Kim. Oh yes, and I’m sure she got an extra energy chuckle by messing with my guy’s phone. They were/are so much alike, they often were at odds, which made them so even. xoxox
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Love your story Pam! My kids ignore me just fine! Hahaha😂🙃
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🤓😝
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💕❤️
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Hmm
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Makes you think if its a vacation..
Or business trip, alarm on vacation, wow he must really be time conscious
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Yes, extremely! Thanks for reading.
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