Always Answer the Phone

‘Dad! Is everything alright?’ That’s what I said when ‘Dad Cell’ flashed on my phone this afternoon.

I half expected it to be someone else. A relative. A nurse. Someone telling me something happened. My stomach felt sick as I waited the few seconds for a voice to respond.

‘Katie. Did you catch the game yesterday?’

I gasped.

See my dad hasn’t called me in a really long time. He used to call me weekly and then he had a stroke and it changed him.

It changed the way he walks and talks and how often he calls me. It changed the questions he asks about my kids and more.

I didn’t know that would happen. That it would change him so much. Big things and little things.

I can still remember his last call to me the day before his stroke. I didn’t answer. I was busy with kids and life and I wasn’t able to answer. I didn’t have time. Or at least I thought I didn’t.

Days later, after sitting by his bedside in the hospital I remembered he had called me. And he left a message. As I watched him sleep I listened to his words.

‘Hi Katie. It’s dad. Call me when you get a chance. Love you. And Go Pack Go.’

I told myself in that moment that I would never not answer if he called again. And today, he did.

He sounded so happy. Like my old dad. The one before. The one with the best laugh.

‘Yeah dad. I saw the game. I’m so glad you called!’

My dad called me today. And it meant everything to me.

Today is a good day.

Always answer the phone. Always.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.