My husband and I go to Florida every year in the winter- just the two of us – a tradition that has been cherished for many years.

One year we took Bryan with us as an unfortunate incident had occurred with his then-roommate. He was required to move back home for a while. This happened a week before we were to leave. We scrambled to make the necessary hotel arrangements to include Bryan and had a wonderful time together.

When we travel without Bryan, he becomes quite unsettled. He is bothered by the fact that his mom and dad are not close by. Because of that he calls and texts us frequently, keeping tabs on where we are and when we will be coming home. One time we were out West and awakened to a 5:00 a.m. call while in a Grand Canyon Hotel. He didn’t realize the time difference and wondered if we had arrived safely.

This trip we sent him a picture (above) of Phillies vs. Yankees Spring Training. It got this response: “are you in coldwater (sic) Florida or Philadelphia or not”. “Are you still on the road now or just leaved Florida for home today or still watching the game or coming back home on March 3rd.” I tried calling him from the stadium. Lousy cell reception. Later that day, another text: “and are you on the road again to home or visiting Anne and Tom tonight. Are you still in Florida or drive home or not”.” I finally texted him back when we got some internet connection. He replied, “Thanks again about the Phillies game. Let me know I seeing that game Phillies won. Have nice night. Send my heart to Anne and Tom. Let me know (when you) leave on Saturday.” (Last year we had visited our dear friends Anne and Tom on the way home so this was on his mind. )

Friday before we left Florida, this text came in: “Good morning to both. Make sure you on road trip to home tomorrow. If are back home just let me know. I hope good week at Florida. Be safe. Go Phillies. Be Sunday night or Monday. All good.” (I added the punctuation.)

One has to know “Bryanspeak” to be able to translate his texts, but, at the bottom of it all is the concern that we are away, the love he shares and a little bit of unsettledness. This all goes away once mom and dad are home. No more phone calls. No more texts. Why? He feels safer and more secure now. Which makes me smile inside.