Years ago, for reasons I can’t really explain, I started saving a few voicemails from the people I love.
Nothing profound. Nothing dramatic. Just little messages from my grandma, my dad, friends, or family. Most are as simple as, “Hey, give me a call,” or checking in about something. The kind of voicemail most people delete without a second thought.
At the time, I simply loved hearing their voices. I saved them because I knew there would come a day when I’d want to hear those voices again. I just didn’t know how soon that day would come.
Yesterday, I picked tomatoes from our garden and spread them across the kitchen counter. As I stood there looking at them, I immediately thought of one voicemail from my dad. Every summer, he’d check on my garden. His entire message was just three words.
“Got any maters?”
Looking at all those tomatoes yesterday, I couldn’t help but answer him.
“Yeah, Dad… I got a bunch.”
For just a couple of seconds, I heard his voice exactly as I remembered it. I could almost see the smile on his face. For a moment, he was checking on my garden again.
It reminded me that some of life’s greatest treasures aren’t things at all. They’re the sound of someone’s voice. If someone you love leaves you a voicemail that makes you smile, maybe don’t delete it. Better yet, the next time you’re thinking about sending a text… Leave a voicemail instead.
Someday, hearing your voice might become a few seconds of happiness for someone who misses you.
Today, that’s my Something Good. 
The dogs were hoping for bacon instead of tomatoes.
Sometimes the sweetest harvest isn’t what grows in the garden.
Save the voicemails. Leave the voicemails. One day, they’ll mean more than you can imagine.
Question for You
Do you have a voicemail you’ll never delete—or is there someone who would smile someday because you left one?
I’d love to hear your story.
Happy Friday, friends! 
I hope you have a happy day and a reason to smile. 
Anyway… Off We Go.
Here’s to finding light in unexpected places.
© Erica Shoemaker | Anyway… Off We Go.
