The best call you'll make this week

For as long as I can remember, whenever I’d call home, my mom would answer, “Eagle, this is base!” It was a greeting both soothingly familiar and charmingly quirky. I don’t know any other mothers who answer the phone this way, but to me, the familiarity of “Eagle” is my favorite kind of “hello.” It’s ours.

It’s been six years since I moved away from “base.” First, to the college rhythms and dorm/apartment life at the University of Wyoming. Then farther to Iowa, and now to Texas. But “base” has been the same, as has mom and her greeting.

Long distance love has reminded me that though a phone call is a shadow of what life lived in the same town could be, it’s far better than nothing.

There were many times in the last years when I should have picked up the phone, and I didn’t. I want to be the sort of person with my life lived where my feet are, and so my relationship with my phone is spotty. But I could have called more. That’s why I’m giving this nudge, so you—and me—don’t live in the “should haves.”

“I love you.” “I’m grateful.” “Remember when...?” These words never get old.

If you’re looking for some intentional questions or a creative gift, I’ve made this guide that can help you think of ideas for your mom, to make Mother’s Day more meaningful. (And yes, if you support my work, I can send my mom a bigger bouquet 😉.)

Dial her up. It’s likely the best call you can make all week.

Cheers,

Emily M

P.S. I believe that good conversations are the secret sauce to good relationships. I’ve created a guide for Mother’s Day (four days away!) that shares a timeless recipe, thoughtful ideas, and a page of intentional questions you can use with mom! If you’d plan to buy her flowers, I invite you to consider the “5 Winning Ways to Make Mother's Day Meaningful.”

Happy celebrating!