Stop Texting Our Son at School!

Kyle always wanted an iPhone. We compromised and bought him an Apple Watch. It had the functionality of a phone - it could make and receive calls, text, etc. without the internet access that turns kids today into the Children of the Corn. 

He and I texted quite often about a wide variety of topics but mainly centered around his practices, schoolwork with some funny memes mixed in. Every day at 3:30 when he got on the bus Erica and I would receive the same text:

"Hi. How R U?" - Kyle

"Good, you?" - Me

"Good." - Kyle

Then 15 minutes later he'd saunter off the bus, come inside, give me a hug and proceed to eat a snack before homework and practice.

I haven't received that text exchange in three weeks and it's a daily reminder that he's no longer physically present to brighten our days. But I haven't stopped texting him. I talk to him constantly, especially around the house, and update him on current events. Below are some of the texts I've recently sent him:

"Big day today...playoff rankings and the men play Syracuse in basketball. I miss you."

"Just saw Wicked. It was really good. You would have loved it. Miss you."

"Ohtani is NL MVP and (Aaron) Judge in the AL. It's not the same without you."

And my personal favorite:

"Your sister wants me to buy a Tesla."

It's hard knowing that I'll never get a response, but I believe deep down he can read these. But I'm not the only one. Last week I picked up his iPad and he had dozens of texts messages from teammates, family and friends. Below are some of what was sent to him:

"Love you, bro." - Eli E.

"You always encouraged me and pushed me to grind (at baseball) ...see you sometime. I love you." - Charlie

"I love you so much." - Will H.

"You were the best friend." - Roman

"I miss you." - Owen

There are also pictures his friends sent of them with him over the years. My favorite was from his friend Oakley. Oakley watched the Celtics win the NBA Finals with us and we celebrated with victory cigars (mine lit, theirs were not). The pic is a selfie of the two of them chomping on their Churchill's, pure joy in their eyes and hearts.

Recently Kyle had been struggling to complete homework and turn in assignments on time. Kyle was an Honor's student who mainly brought home A's, so a handful of failing assignments were concerning. We really tightened the screws on him to drive home the importance of organization and putting in the extra effort on assignments. One of the reasons for his supposed misstep was my constant barrage of texts I was sending him throughout the day, affecting his focus.

I apologized and promised to try my best to leave him alone during school, but to tell you the truth, I no longer regret or feel bad about any of it now. 

Enjoy your weekend and God Bless.