Five letters to go. We can do this. I'm staying true to my theme in the A-Z Blog Challenge which is The Things We Keep: An A-Z of Ordinary Objects.
Day 22- V is for Voicemail
Recently I was connecting two friends who were going to co-host an event and one friend said she'd tried texting and emailing the other but hadn't heard back so I suggested she call her. On the phone. Ewww.
Is that your reaction too? The friend laughed and said isn't it funny that actually calling someone to talk on the phone is more or less our last thought and not our first.
In 2026 we are all about texts and emails and all the other tech options we now have, and are less about actually phoning someone we don't know well or when some sort of 'business' is involved, be it pleasant or unpleasant. Sure I talk to my daughters on the phone and also friends who don't live nearby, but for the casual interaction let's text.
How does it make you feel to open your phone and see that little red number indicating someone has, gasp!! left you a voicemail?
For the most part if I phone someone and they don't answer I do not leave a voice message. I send a text or decide to try again later.
That being said, I do have a few voice messages on my phone that I can't make myself delete. Mostly from my mom who uses her phone very infrequently these days, but occasionally will accidentally call me and if I don't answer she leaves a voicemail.
These voicemails are nothing special, just hello I miss you and love you and call me if you want to kind of things.
Except they're special to me.
Because my mama turns 96 years old on her birthday this year and I know that time is fleeting and also precious. So I save them.
It feels nice to have her voice on my phone. I plan to keep it.
Omigosh this totally hit home with me. I know what you mean about the voicemail and I typically do not leave a message either, I do keep messages from my mom and my dad (both in their 80's). Isn't it sad how people can't take the time to return a text message, let alone a voicemail message?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Barbie
Calling someone would be my last thought too and I don't leave voicemails. lol The voicemails from your mom do sound special.
ReplyDeleteI would be keeping that voicemail as well! I've read how adverse the younger generation is to making phone calls and actually I kind of get it. I don't like doing it and that's the medium that I grew up on for instant communication!! Have been enjoying your daily blogging :).
ReplyDeleteSo often, I try to remember my mom's voice, or my dad's voice. They've both been gone more than 30 years now (how is that possible!). BUT, I know if one of them called, I would know their voice immediately. Yes, keep those recordings!! xo
ReplyDeleteAnd then there are those of the older variety that can't access voice mails because they forgot some password. Oye. That is sweet to have your mama's voice on your phone.
ReplyDeleteSign of the times, I suppose: when I see the little red dot next to voicemail, I immediately think, "Well, that's odd."
ReplyDeleteI usually prefer making a call over text, but that could be an age thing. My kids prefer texts.
And, you're right. I usually don't leave a voicemail. I text, "Just called to chat." Or something similar.
ReplyDeleteI have decades an old cassette tape of my dad and mom talking and I treasure them. Like your voice mails they are were not talking about anything important but just hearing their voices every few years becomes more and more important as time passes.
ReplyDeleteAs for voicemails, texting and emails I love the latter two but not big on leave voicemails. It's funny how quickly texting has taken over the world. Or so it seems. I've always hated talking on the phone, especially if I had a need to place a call. Texting is ideal. You're not interrupting and they can get back to you at their convenience.
I still love the connection that comes from talking to a person on the phone. I appreciate hearing the inflection in their voices. I understand how special your mom's voicemails are! I also have saved voice messages from my father-in-law and my mom - both of them were leaving me a birthday greeting. Both have been gone for a few years and these messages are precious!
ReplyDeleteTalking on the phone. I avoid it if at all possible and/or practical. Love texting and voice mail. That aspect of today's technology works well for me.
ReplyDeleteYes - save those voicemails from your mama. I wish I had a recording of both of my parent's voices. I avoid talking on the phone except with close family or friends. I love texting and emails!
ReplyDeleteCommunication has certainly changed over the years, especially in our lifetimes I think. I'm sure your Mum's voicemails are very precious to you. Maybe record them somewhere other than your phone so you don't accidentally lose them? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I have text messages I can't delete. I seldom leave a voice message but I do leave a text. Hope your Sunday is going well.
ReplyDeleteI rarely call or receive calls anymore from friends - everyone texts! My son and his group of friends text eachother but also prefer phone calls. It is refreshing and different; maybe things are swinging back to the old-fashioned style. I can relate to the voicemails from your mother. When we lived in England, I had a Google voice number so my mother could call me. I still have many saved voicemails on that account from my mom (who passed away in 2015), and keep the voice account just to save the voicemails.
ReplyDelete