When I first moved to Massachusetts, I started a tradition of sorts that I continue to this day. As we approach Thanksgiving and Family Day — a holiday that occurs just after Thanksgiving — I’ve come to realize just how much I value this small habit. It’s one Fred likes to (lovingly) tease me about, and it may come across as silly to others, but without it, my days just don’t feel complete.
It all started while I was in law school. My dad worked for the railroad, and his schedule had him working with a few days "on," and then he had a few days "off" at home. So, I knew the best times I could catch up with him were on those "off" days and when II had a few moments between law school classes. I would call my mom later that evening, when I knew she was off work and I was done for the day.
It was grounding to talk to my dad in those moments between classes and with my mom to end my day. I was thousands of miles away from home and my family, but that time spent on the phone kept us connected despite our distance. Plus, I like to think we’re funny people, so there was rarely a dull conversation!
This hasn’t changed.
I still make it a habit to call my mom every day, despite the fact that she lives much closer now. It’s become part of my morning routine! As I’m on my way into work, I call my mom. I know nothing has changed much in the past 24 hours, and our chats are usually pretty standard. But they’re still just as fun as they were all those years ago, and I enjoy starting my day this way. Over the years, this tradition has led me to call my sister regularly, too. She’s a busy teacher, so we typically only talk on the phone once each week. Of course, because we’re close, we email and text a lot, too, but there’s something to be said for hearing another person’s voice. This became a lifeline for some of us as the pandemic lockdowns began in March 2020. I was very grateful that my family phone calls were already a regular practice.
This is also a habit I hope to continue with my daughter, who recently moved to Slovenia. We’re still figuring out the logistics at the time of writing this cover article, but after spending years away from family myself, I know how valuable it can be to carve out phone time — or in the case of this century, video time — with those you love.
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate this habit for the many things it has given me. My father died just after he turned 60 years old, and after so many years in the estate planning industry, I know sudden changes like this can happen to anyone at any time. This has made me grateful for those law school days, when Dad and I would spend a few moments on the phone between classes.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for this tradition and the small moments it has given me with my family. I also appreciate my health and having Fred by my side. Even though everything in this post-pandemic world has been an adjustment, I’m just appreciative to come out of it stronger and to keep moving forward.
I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving together.
