Modern technology is grand.
Got my first telephone headset with built-in speed dial in 1986.
First number programmed in was for my Mom.
Twenty years ago, when I moved from Ohio to SoCal, took that phone with me with Mom's number still programmed in it.
For those 20 years, once a week would punch in "*9", the phone would ring, and then the "Hello" from my mother's voice could be heard.
She would always comment that I sounded like I was just outside her window rather than the
2,500+ miles it actually was.
If I failed to call on time, could expect to find a voice mail from Mom when I got home, just "checking in" to see if I was "All-Right" since she hadn't heard from me.
She had a serious accident in 01/2007 and had to move to a nursing home, a move she reluctantly accepted.
Her phone went with her, including the same number she has had for more than 40+ years.
Our weekly telephone visits continued, but with increasing difficulty as her hearing diminished.
On 04/21/2008, Mom turned 103. and it's as if she had summoned the energy to strike one last hash mark on the wall and then said, "I'm done".
I was fortunate enough to get back to Ohio to be with her this past week end when cashed in her hand and peacefully retired "*9".
You had a good run Ma, you left it all on that playing field we call "Life".
Somehow, there will be another way to stay in touch.
Lew