The first text message simply and sweetly said, “I love you.”
I was en route on my early hour-long commute to work and it was a welcomed surprise.
On in-office days, I often leave before T is up and when I do see him before I leave, I get sweet long hugs, which energize me for the day.
T has an old phone of ours, which runs on wifi. We only let him use it as home, not at school; only with us, no social media.
I smiled when I received T’s text.
We kept each other company during my commute, as our subway system now has cell access.
We even did a video call, so he could see my commute, including the subway ride, which was a foreign world to him until then.
We said goodbye after a tour of my office.
Finding time for connection every day is important, especially in our busy lives.
For a child with FASD, it is important to help them regulate and feel good about themselves, because they spend so much of their day overloaded with demands, which often lead to crash and burns at the end of the day.
So our new routine is a welcomed change – and these small moments add up to a larger whole.
And let’s be real, not all moments with T during the day are pleasant, so I welcome these sweet moments with our little guy when I get them.
My Life With T 
This is so sweet Ab! T has a cute sense of humor, I love that!
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Yes his sense of humour is lovely. His teachers also commented many times on his amazing humour. 💕
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Even his teacher noticed his sense of humour! That is good!
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He has a wickedly wonderful sense of humour! 🙏
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I heard that the subway finally has cell reception! It’s been awhile since I’ve taken it! It’s very cute that T sends you messages during your commute. I worry about returning to the office when my mat leave is over and not being able to spend nearly as much time with M.
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Thanks Linda. Are you taking the whole 18 months? Either way, you still have a long way to go. The transition back to work after parental leave is an adjustment but I know you will figure it out! 🙏
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This blog post is so endearing. It brought back so many nostalgic feelings. Makes me wish I could rewind time! 🤍
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Thanks Stacy. Nostalgia is such a wonderful comfort. 🙏
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Oh my goodness…love every morsel 😜 of this. T has such a fab sense of humor…you, too! xo! 🥰
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Thanks Vicki. His sense of humour is one of his true strengths. 🙏
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I can’t help but believe you give him the freedom to let it all out, too. So good! xo! 🥰
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Oh, Ab. This really warms my heart! I love the part where he sent all the food emojis he could find to you, and replied “Papa” when you asked him which one his favorite was. So funny! Moments like this are surely what you and T will cherish one day when he’s grown up.
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Thanks Bama. I sure hope these memories are what he remembers and cherishes one day. We had a bit of a rough day yesterday during a family outing so I’m still a bit frazzled by it. But you’re right, hopefully the happy memories outweigh the less positive ones!
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Oh no. 🫤 But as you said, such is the journey with a child with FASD. I hope such bad days will be less and less frequent along the way.
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Heartwarming Ab! I know how tough commutes can be … what a joy to have someone you love along for the ride (even if it’s just by text.)
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Thanks Brian. It’s definitely a lovely way to add some joy and fun during a long sleepy commute. 😊
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I love this. ❤️ I sometimes think the tough moments are there to make the best moments even more special ❤️
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Thanks Gary. We had a bit of a rough day today, so I hear you on this 100%. 💕🙏
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I love this post!!!! My grandchildren also have the use of an old cell phone with Wi-Fi.
The first time I received a text, it was the most charming wonderful thing! ❤️
I love your conversations and your sense of humor
❤️
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Thanks Vickie. I was looking for that right word to describe how I felt about these text messages – and you nailed it with “charming.” They make me smile for sure. 😊
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He is so sweet ❤️
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Thanks Margie. Not always sweet, such as a rougher afternoon out with family today. But moments like this remind me to focus on the bigger deeper picture. 🙏
I hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day and to your grandchild too!
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I did, thank you!
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This is so dear and comforting Ab both for T and I think for you- having this connection. I may need to hire T in the future given his skill with texting and emoji’s. Apparently as a Boomer I have things to learn 😉
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Thanks Deb! You can have T for as long as you’d like as I could use a break! Take your time learning those digital skills for boomers. 😂
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What sweet exchanges, filled with so much love, and I think you’re right–the kid has a great sense of humor! I bet that helps him stay resilient when things get a bit rocky. 🥰
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Thanks Erin. He does have a good sense of humour and I definitely think humour is a way he stays resilient indeed. Great insight!
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What a beautiful post, Ab. T’s papa is doing a very, very good job! ❤️
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Thanks Jane. We are trying our best. 😊🙏
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“Don’t eat me” – you are hilarious, Ab! These small moments add up to a larger whole. So good!
Thanks for adding to our larger whole with this beautiful post!
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Thanks Wynne. I enjoy having these lighthearted conversations with him, because some moments are not as lighthearted. So I appreciate the larger whole for sure! 🙏
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