how can i retrieve my text messages?

Are you referring to messages that were received on a gmail Apple ID? Otherwise, text messages are not part of gmail. True text messages, SMS are handled by the carrier, on their cellular network. iMessages on the other hand, can be handled with the Apple ID, which is an email address, and if your have the iMessages set to be sent to your Apple ID email, and that is the gmail account, then you would receive them there. Text messages, SMS, cannot be received through gmail.

Not text messages. Read through my response again.

You can't.

• Text messages are a closed system called SMS/MMS - run by your mobile carrier.
• iMessages are an Apple proprietary version of text messages
• email like GMail are yet another system

In the future, you can send and receive SMS <> email by entering the recipient's mobile carrier's email address instead of a phone number - 1112223333@txt.att.net for example - the reply SMS will come to your email address