Phone Center

While picking up my son for his 10 day liberty, I noticed this abandoned Public Telephone Center; it now houses one pay phone booth although I didn't go inside to check if there was still a working phone inside the booth; As I looked at it, I was taken back in time when I could imagine Marines holding their coins, standing in line possibly talking and smoking to pass time while they waited for their turn to use the phone to connect with a loved one. I imagined this was a hot spot and crowded most times and that there might have been multiple booths. They must have had limited conversational time as well as privacy and might have had to choose which loved one would receive a phone call. I had a new sense of appreciation for cell phones and how easily we can connect at any time with our loved one and not be rushed or over heard (depending on where we are I suppose). I appreciated how my son when deployed will be able to communicate with me to let me know he's doing well and that I don't need to wait near my phone on pins and needles hoping to receive a call and then beat myself up over having missed a call if I was away from home; my phone and I will be available anytime anywhere.