His Phone

It’s hard to believe doctors and specialists once thought Sandler would never be able to talk. I remember his first speech therapist—who believed otherwise for she recognized his perseverance and tenacity—telling me to be prepared because once he starts he’s never going to stop. At the time, I couldn’t imagine… But now, I often reflect on that conversation and realize it was a nice way of telling me the kid is never going to shut up. 

Boy, did she hit the nail on the head with her prediction! Sandler, though sometimes hard to understand, wakes up talking and asking questions; he goes to bed doing the same. In fact, more nights than not, he continues to carry on a full conversation in his sleep as well. He’s not only inquisitive and has a lot to say, but as anyone who has ever shared their phone number with him can attest to—he just loves to communicate.

I try my best to monitor his phone and we have a rule that he’s to get permission before making calls or texting those who have been too polite to block him. But like most kids his age, he’s a crafty guy who knows when I’m not paying attention and sneaks off to have his chats. When I finally intercept his phone it’s usually too late for any sort of parental damage control. After seeing how many times he’s called someone or how voice messaging has translated his texts, I close my eyes and cross my fingers that whomever is on the receiving end knows he means well.

Just the other day we had an incident where after answering his nine-hundredth question, “Mommy, how many years have you known me?” I chose to tune him out for a little bit and get some chores done. Time got away from me and I realized he’d been a little too busy on his phone to be complying with our rules. When I went to check on him, sure enough he was immersed in a conversation with some tolerant friend discussing skateboarding—asking them how their day was going for the umpteen-millionth time. I asked him to say goodbye and hand me his phone.

It was no surprise that he had several conversations and sent many a text. Most of his messages included a random selection of emojis (some combinations that could come across a little inappropriate or just plain weird) and / or a thread of misinterpreted sentences trying to express his fondness for the person on the other end. I decided it was time to relieve all of his contacts and redirect him by answering his question in regard to how many years I’ve known him.

Though his questions and conversations can be a little exhausting at times… I’m glad he started talking and hasn’t stopped. The world and words are much more colorful when communicating with Sandler.