For Old Time’s Sake

I did a strange thing yesterday. I ported over the number from my wife’s old iPhone 5 to a new phone. It’s now the official number for Gatewood Press, which is fitting, I guess, since it’s the publisher of my new book about our experience with her dementia. Although it’s the only book the press has published, I’m going to pretend it’s the real deal, because you never know. Think about that mustard seed. I could have used my cell number, but it felt odd letting her number go off into the ether to be used by a stranger. So, I kept it and gave it to the press.

There will be a price to pay, of course, since they don’t let you keep numbers for sentimental reasons. But the provider has an affordable low dollar plan, and I don’t plan on using the phone to stream anything or even listen to music. In fact, I nearly bought a flip phone, but that’s another story. This new phone is an Android, and that will take some getting used to, but perhaps being exposed to competition is a good thing. I’ve heard that’s what keeps markets fair and equitable.

I was going to chalk this all up to grief. But it feels pretty level-headed and I have a house full of memorabilia from other family members who have passed on to their rewards. So, I’m pretty sure having my wife’s old phone number won’t hurt anything and may actually be a nice way to remember her. Although it may give people a start if I use the number to call friends and family. Perhaps I should not do that. I’ll just let it hang out there and be the repository for a new day and something special, only to me.