For 19 years, my mother always answered my phone calls with the same greeting: “Hey Katie-girl.” That’s been my nickname for as long as I can remember. It may be a bit dorky, but I’m more than O.K. with that.
I’ve always enjoyed talking on the phone with my mom. Sometimes a quick question would turn into a two-hour conversation. So, I’ve always struggled to relate to my peers in their exasperation with their parents.  I hear them complaining, “My mom keeps freaking calling me.” Nothing makes me more green with envy than a comment like that. I wish I could call my mother, but I can’t.
On Oct. 30, 2008, my mom passed away suddenly. She suffered two brain aneurisms and was gone in less than 24 hours.
Losing her is the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. She was everything that I hope to be and more. She was my best friend and my most trusted confidant.
Missing my mom, even after nearly 3 years, still consumes the better part of my day. It’s something I carry with me at all times. I’m not telling you this in hopes to receive your pity. My story may be sad, but it belongs to me.
However, this should help you to understand why listening to my friends and classmates complain about spending 30 minutes on the phone with their parents pisses me off a bit.
I mean, what is so important that you don’t have time to humor your mother or father with a phone call? In case you’ve forgotten, they gave you life. I think you can give them a couple of phone calls a week to even things out.
For the most part, I believe that a parent’s love is unconditional and one-of-a-kind. You will never find anyone who cares for you like your parents do. And when you lose one of them, this becomes strikingly apparent.
I know there are a few parents who will call several times a day. I’ll admit, that has got to be annoying. But you just came back from fall break, meaning your parents probably miss you so much that they can’t see straight.
Can you blame them for wanting to be involved in your life? The moment you were born, they loved you.  The moment you were born, they promised to protect you. And for the first time in your life, they are absolutely powerless when it comes to your safety.
All I’m saying is to cut your parents some slack. This is a big change for them, too, and I’ll bet it isn’t easy.
Give your mom or dad a call today. They are probably dying to hear from you. And someday, you won’t be able to call them anymore. Believe me when I tell you that nothing will make your heart ache more.
I’d give just about anything to receive a phone call from my mom. Hell, I’d settle for a postcard from Heaven.
l
kgoddeyn@mavs.coloradomesa.edu