I had to smile a bit last night. I read a poem written by a friend, and it contained this word 'listen' many times. It was a poem about taking a drive with her dad and realizing everything he had shared with her in his stories. For me, it recalled most every phone call I ever got from my dad. I'd pick up the ringing phone, and the voice on the other end always chimed, "Listen... It was never "Hello M-", "Hi M-", "How are you M-" Our conversation, just about always, began this way, "Listen... And it wasn't just me. My brother and sisters would often joke around, when we got together, about these opening lines in phone calls. We still do. I'm chuckling right now, as I write these lines. I guess it was just his way to get a conversation moving. Sometimes, the information he was passing along was very important, but mostly it was just his unique way to let us know it was him on the other end of the line. I miss those words these days. Maybe that's why I like to tell stories.
"Listen...
Interesting and funny story.
ReplyDeleteAnd also beautiful image.
une belle histoire tres nostalgique
ReplyDeleteI know people who do the same thing, open the conversation with "Listen"
ReplyDeleteoh, yes, i think you've inherited this from your dad.
ReplyDeleteListen...I wonder how many of us will start our comments with that command today. Haven't observed this unique greeting in any of my friends, but perhaps I'll start a trend.
ReplyDeletePS, I love your photo today. These birch trees are always so lovely.
ReplyDeleteWe probably all have our own habits in speaking. How do you start a conversation? "Listen" isn't one of my quirks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and photo!
ReplyDeleteI think the important is having a beautiful smile in our face when we are going to speak, I have no doubts people will feel it even if they are far away!The power of one smile even in a phone call! :)
ReplyDeletehugs and smiles
Léia
Interesting how one word can bring back a flood of memories.
ReplyDeleteNice memory. And, I love your photo. I miss seeing birch trees down here.
ReplyDeleteI like your photo. I work with someone that always begins his answers or thoughts with "Well let's think about this"
ReplyDeleteI do remember my dad using the word "listen," often, to emphasize a point while he was talking. I think using the word a lot in conversation is generational.-- barbara
ReplyDeleteI just called my dad... because I can and feel fortunate to still have him and my mom, and second, to hear him say, "Hi, Genie, this is Daddy." When I call it is certain that I will know it is him and not someone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your story and remembrance of your dad.
Bises,
Genie
Nice post today Birdman! I'm going to call my dad in a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteAnother memory full of affection and respect.
ReplyDeleteHallo Son, That's what I say. Never had a dad to listen to.
ReplyDeleteA great memory of your dad. Perhaps we all need to listen a bit more.
ReplyDeleteThat's poignant. Your father's phrase could have been awkward and polite or it could have been domineering. I bet it was more of the former.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post - listen - Ah, if only more of us would listen . . .
ReplyDeletep. s. Love those birches.
ReplyDeleteNice story and a fine birch snap.
ReplyDeleteAnd you've got us all listening.
ReplyDeleteIt is not in vain that our daily central prayer begins "Shema ..." -- Hear O Israel ....
Beautiful story Birdman, gosh it made me miss my Dad though!
ReplyDelete