I wasn't sure if I should have been mad at my 13 year old daughter, or thankful she's so resourceful. But the bottom line is this – she is definately more brave than I was at age 13 – and that means a long road ahead...

Here’s what happened. Sam broke her cell phone. Now, please understand – it’s wasn’t the poor dear’s fault. Seriously, the horns hold the halo up....save the sympathy.

So, as she explains to me how her cell phone magically snapped in two pieces, she immediately announces a replacement plan. She’ll simply buy a new one. Purchase a new cell phone from this mystery cache of money we both know does not exist. Ever try to replace a cell phone when you don’t have insurance? You could pick up a piece of pottery from the Ming Dynasty cheaper.

So I break her heart. “Mommy isn’t going to take out a second mortgage on our home to buy you a new cell phone. You will simply have to do without.” Do Without? Why do without when you’re resourceful, like Sam?

It’s Monday night, and I’m at work. Sam is home. Tucked away in my top dresser drawer is a very old cell phone. It doesn’t flip, so, I don’t know – that must make it circa 2002? I’m just guessing here – but it is old, and it certainly isn't stylish. But it does work, and at this stage, for Sam, that’s a good thing. It’s about 9:10 p.m. when my cell phone rings. It’s Sam calling from her cell phone. “Ah, hello??? How are you calling me from a cell phone that I threw in the garbage four days ago?” Great question, Mom! Even better answer. She jacked that old Kyoceria phone from my drawer, and in 20 minutes had it up and running. I’d like to thank the good folks at Verizon who were kind enough to assist my 13 year old with the telephone switch. Apparently, you don’t need some sort of parental permission to do this?

If I were to score this experience on a scale, obviously, I'd have to subtract a few points for rooting through my stuff without asking. But, give a few points for resourcefulness and technical ability. And, I am truly impressed that she was able to trick a Verizon employee into thinking she’s an adult.

In the end, Mom wins. This old cell phone can only do two things: talk and text. It makes no fashion or financial statement - and I like that. Even Sam agrees that an old cell phone is better than no cell phone. Who says you can't effectively communicate with a 13 year old???

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