That Person

We all have that person.

That person that we look forward to spending time with all day.  We find ourselves sneaking moments at work, in the car, even walking down the hall just to have a second to share with them - whether it’s just a look, a laugh, or a great story.

This person is the first person we want to see as our eyes flutter open and shake the sand of sleep away.  This same person is the last person we want to be with when we go to sleep.  We yearn to share one last laugh, one last insight, or to just give of ourselves a little more - to feel as though we matter and stand out in a world of indifference.

This person makes us feel whole.  Just leaving the house without them makes us feel like we are less than; as if we are missing a piece of us. On days like these we often rush home just to hold them once more; to be complete again.

Often, they distract us as we look to them for validation, for humor, or something deeper - even when there are others around.

These people are special to us.

These people give us meaning.

These people aren’t “people” at all.

These people are our phones.

And often, unintentionally, they distract us from the real people that yearn to do all the things above and more. Because of them we miss the moments that matter and lose out on moments we could hold on to as those friends and family pass on to the next life.

Our phone is, for many, our mistress or "the other guy."  And, often, the phone gets more attention than those that are right in front of us and deserve it the most.  Afterall, at the end of the day, no phone will ever deliver a "Best Man's Toast" or a eulogy that sings the story of your life and why you mattered.  A phone won't drive you to the hospital, hold you as you cry, or be there when you are at your lowest. 

The people in your life will. Give them the attention they deserve.

The next time you are with your family, your kids, or the love of your life consider leaving the phone at home, locking it in a drawer, or just setting it to silent (with vibrations turned off).  

Or, like your phone, you may find yourself having to find new friends and loved ones every 2 years as their loyalty fades, their responsiveness becomes sluggish, and the batteries of their understanding and love start to act sporadic and fade away.

People matter. Phones don't.