Send a Telegram, Telegram, Telegram

Before there was an internet, before faxes, before telephones even, there was the telegram. Messages were sent over the telegraph using Morse code. They were extensively used and curiously written like modern texts are today.  Western Union was a company synonymous with telegrams, they discontinued the service in 2006. Oh, did I mention there was a song? Check out, Hey, Western Union Man by Jerry Butler. It wasn't the only song made using Western Union in the lyrics but I liked it.

I once wrote and faxed an essay concerning the telegram; here it is in its original form.

18, December 1996

Dear Lydia

So glad to get your fax –stop-

Yes, yes bon voyage to you and yours –stop-

The family send their love –stop-

Have a Merry Christmas too –stop-

Now can you send photos –stop-

Glad you have new clients –stop-

Can you send me any business –stop-

So, Yvette takes self & brother to school by bus –stop-

Sorry about the noise if this is late –stop-

WHY AM I WRITING LIKE THIS? THIS AINT NO TELEGRAM! –STOP-

Now I can’t stop! –stop-

I’M WARNING YOU TO STOP IT OR ELSE I’LL, I’LL…

You’ll what, -stop-stop-stop-stop-stop-

I’LL SCREAM, Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, I feel better now! I can write continuously.  I’m cured-YES! It’s about time.

My kids, Brigette and Alex are in the throes of Christmas anticipation. This is also their last week of school before winter break.  As for me, I’ll probably stop work for….Oh no! I think I just…I, I,I, said it again! –stop-

Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! –Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-stop-