Hello! @VSAWYERS2 Thanks for posting your text message questions.
Unfortunately once a text message has been deleted from your device, it is irretrievable. If you need to back up certain messages in the future, most phones have the ability to forward messages to email and our device how-to site contains lots of information on features and functions of AT&T phones and can be reached here. http://www.att.com/esupport/main.jsp?cv=820
Hope this helps,
Charise