The following post -- partially inspired by a bit Sarah Silverman did when I saw her at the Brooklyn Book Festival a few weeks ago -- contains direct transcripts of text conversations with my mom. Nothing has been altered.
Sona is an associate professor at the University of Washington and a psychiatrist at the Veteran's Affairs hospital in Seattle. She's on the left in this picture:
Bonus coda from my Grandmother at the end. Hopefully this isn't too dry to work in text format.
*****
Mom: How is your day?
Me: my day is good! sorry I haven't returned your calls yet
Mom: No worries . Are you doing Ok? Was your weekend busy?
Me: I am doing great and my weekend was exciting!
Mom: Wonderful. We'll connect later as I am at work and seeing patients
*****
Mom: How are you feeling?
Me: good... you?
Mom: good? I just found out I got a 5000 dollar raise.
*****
Mom: How is your day?
Me: good! how is yours?
Mom: Good? When is the concert?
Me: I think it's in a few hours
Mom: Ok cool have fun and be safe
Me: I will! how are things going at home?
Mom: Things are fine. Work has been very busy. I have been getting recertified for ect and done 15 treatments with rewarding results.
Me: awesome what is ect?
Mom: Electroconvulsive therapy (electroshock) treatment under anesthesia
Me: oh wow... isn't that the thing that poets and artists in the 50's were against? they tried to use it to cure homosexuality and stuff?
Mom: There is a lot of media misperception about it... but I have seen how it saves lives. I'll tell you all about it.
*****
Mom: sfghfxhxggfgtxfxchbhthshdjfhxvxhsdbxchchgbbbvvxjhdxgvhfhhdttfhgshxcgntrsd. Bxsfdv cv b fv
Mom: Sorry. Bye.
*****
Mom: How is your day?
Me: great! went to the us open
Mom: Wow it must have been exciting
Me: it was! how are things at home?
Mom: Good. Ari started school today. He is very excited to have a male teacher. He seems very sincere and approachable. How are things in the dorm. It is cold here. I had to wear my winter coat to work this am.
*****
Mom: We are staying for lunch. Shall I have someone pick you up
Me: no it's not a big deal. I'm going to take a nap.
Mom: Ok. Let me know because we can pick you up or after lunch we will be going back home.
Mom: There is a microwave to heat up some food.
Mom: Did the gang find you?
Mom: Did you buy food for lunch or can I bring some?
Me: wokr up late so i'm not too hungry
Mom: The cleaning lady is coming at 930 but I asked her not to do your room
Mom: Do you want me to make a hair cut appointment?
Mom: Did you see the gang?
Me: yeah
*****
Mom: How was the dentist visit?
Me: it went well! he said my teeth are great!
Mom: Great. What are you doing?
Me: just at home. he said I probably don't need to go every six months as there's nothing wrong with my teeth
Mom: Ok. If that is what he said then it's ok. Do you feel that your teeth are cleaner.
*****
Mom: Can I pick you up soon?
Me. why's that? it's a grad party at Drew's house.
Mom: I can come to socialize with the parents?
Me: you can but you don't need to!
Mom: Ok let me know the address and we can plan to be there later.
Me: sure the address is --------- [new hampshire]
Mom: Can we come by 6:10 or so and socialize a bit. We really want to.
Me: sure. who is coming?
Mom: All of us.
Mom: Just kidding.
Mom: Between you and me is it ok if Vipul comes with me?
*****
Grandma: Hi how r you?
Me: I am good! you've learned how to text?
Grandma: You r my 1st VICTIM .LOVE you
Me: love you too!