My plans for my response paper took an unexpected turn this week. I was on the train this morning headed to our New York offices, when my cousin called me to let me know that my uncle had died a few hours before. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and began crying in my seat on the metro north train. After dealing with my uncle’s illness and thinking that I had come to some sort of acceptance of it, apparently I still wasn’t at the point where I was ready to say good bye. I wanted to turn around and head the other way and go back home to be with my family but I had to go to work. I say all of this to say, the cell phone immediately became the gift and the curse for me. Having to hear such sad news in an environment that I was uncomfortable in and without friends or loved ones to console me, made the situation a lot worse for me. Although, I admit I  was thankful that my cousin was able to reach me and inform me of what happened. I immediately called one of my best friends to tell her the news and then text two of my friends to let them know. Many of you may wonder why I would resort to texting at a time of grief. But for me, that was the only way that I could get the words out. I didn’t want to talk about the fact that he was no longer with me and that I would not see him again. For me it was a lot easier to communicate to them via a text message. Sending a text message was a normal reaction for me. In one of my previous classes, we discussed what would be acceptable to say in a text message versus face to face interaction. And for me, I really think it depends on the individual and circumstance.  Several years ago, I would not have the option of how I would like to relay a message. I would also not have the opportunity to get the information from my cousin right away. More than likely, before cell phones, I would have a message waiting for me at work or at home. Mobile phones and sms allow users to give and receive information instantaneously. Mobile phones let the user travel and be away from home but still stay connected to family and friends without missing out on what’s going on. Today, just happened to be the day that I wish I didn’t have a cell phone and I didn’t have to relay my bad news to everyone.