Love, Texting, and an iPhone

May 18, 2011 by Peggy Nolan

Today’s guest blog is from my blogging, photography friend Angelia Sims Hardy. Angelia and I met through another blog friend, Jessica Bold (thank you Jessica!) about two years ago. I have followed, laughed, cried, and celebrated with Angelia…and I welcomed her into the wonderful world of being a stepmom when she married her awesome husband and was gifted with two beautiful girls! Angelia shared this story on her blog the other day and I knew I had to share it here. Enjoy!

Love, Texting, and an iPhone

by Angelia Sims Hardy

I discovered on long car rides the best antidote for entertainment is not to install expensive dual headrest TV/DVD players for the children, or drag crayons and books galore, but to simply surrender hand-over our iPhones.

It works wonders to keep the peace. There is music, games, and a camera. A gazillion options of fun. There is no fighting in the back seat and the only worry is how many car chargers do we have if those suckers run out of juice.

On this particular road excursion, last November, the car ride home took four hours and could best be described as – most blissful car trip EVER!

iPhone!

Then something crazy cool happened…….

My oldest step-daughter (age six at the time) taught herself how to text. The little booger was reading at age four. Spelling at age three. It wasn’t too surprising that she easily figured out the icon, the key pad, and the art of texting. Mostly because of her older step-sister sitting next to her who can text a billion messages a minute and holster the phone in her back pocket without blinking an eye.

I must admit, when I first read the text, I was confused. Why would Jason text me while driving? More importantly, why would he text me while driving and while I was sitting next to him? The message was from Jason. Then, I remembered who had his phone. I took a peek at the backseat and heard a giggle. That’s when I figured it out and replied back.

Our conversation went like this.

With each reply, the giggles increased, and dang if she wasn’t pretty fast at texting too.

I was completely enamored. They are the sweetest messages!

As sweet as a bowl of chocolate Cheery-O’s in a heart-shaped bowl. My little text buddy.

These precious little pearls of devotion are what will get me through those days (like Mondays) and step-daughter teen years. I latch onto these nuggets – knowing the future is shaky in blended families – and cherishing the good times. Someday – I might hear those knife-through-the-heart phrases; You’re not my mom! I don’t have to do what you say! I don’t love you!

I will read this.

I will remember.

I will save it forever.

A picture of love via iPhone.

She told me this Sunday (which I heard was un-officially Step-Mom’s Day?) that if it was or wasn’t….she would do anything for me. Really? Anything???? Anything.

I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Way too tempting! Foot massages, cleaning, and laundry. Ohhhh, the possibilities!

This girl has the purest of intentions when it comes to sharing her adoration. She is such a treasure.

The funniest (and scariest) thing about the text messages that night? Well, Jason and I got to wondering……..if she was smart enough to text me…….. Was she smart enough to text anyone else? And if she did? Who?

Yeah.

About that.

She DID text someone else.

Her Mom.

Jason’s ex-wife.

Thankfully, the message wasn’t near as descriptive as mine, because HONESTLY? What would she have possibly thought getting a text message from her now married ex-husband chock full of affection for her? I can only imagine…..ummmm yikes!

When we read the text Molly sent to her, it wasn’t near as bad as we thought. Instead of being downright awkward, it only bordered on sheer creepiness.

The text read: Goodnight.

Love, text, and an iPhone.

Don’t you just love technology in blended families?
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Angelia Sims Hardy resides in Fort Worth, Texas. She is a corporate travel agent by trade; blogger and photographer by heart. Angelia is a  Mom and Step-Mom to three daughters. As a mom of divorce and a child of divorce, Angelia desires to bring joy to her blended family and build compassion in the fractures of divorce. She is always seeking to live in every moment, laugh until she can’t breath, and love all the joys in life. You can connect with Angelia at:
Blog: Living, Loving, Laughing
Website: Angelia’s Photography
Twitter: @angeliasims