Help Red "L" preventing test messages from going through.

[gilamonster]

I am probably overlooking something simple but I simply can't figure it out. From what appears to be out of the blue yesterday, my text messages are no longer being sent because of some little red "L" to the right of the message. This is happening to all contacts. I think this "L" usually appears and disappears in like a 3-5 second time frame but now it is staying and my messages are going nowhere. All help appreciated.

 

[monmur]

I think it might be a "wait" symbol (like a clock) while the message goes through? I see it too on texts I am sending, but the messages ARE going through. I wish I could figure out how to turn off the 2 short vibrates for text messages. I don't have vibrate on for the phone settings (or notification settings), the ringer volume is UP, and the haptic is off!