Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Digital Detox (04/24/14)
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TITLE: Dates with Grandpa | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve McClure
04/30/14 -
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As are most grandfathers and older adults, I’m fascinated – and somewhat annoyed – by the consuming attraction electronic gadgets have for the younger generations. Mind you, I’m not opposed to progress. God said knowledge shall increase (Dan 12:4), and so it has. But the culture change is a bit disconcerting. Before the advent of smart phones, people communicated more…I mean, really communicated. Face to face exchanges, and all that. Now, there’s no need to face anyone. Just send a message.
From the time she was a little girl, Marcie and I have had almost weekly get-togethers. We’d go to the park, or the zoo, or just walk. I marveled at her energy running from place to place, fine blond hair streaming behind. Her tiny hands wanted to touch everything, and her blue eyes widened with every new experience. Usually, we’d get a bite of her favorite food (whatever that happened to be at the time). Mostly, though, we just chatted about things…honest, engaging (albeit short) conversations.
Then, my son and daughter-in-law gave Marcie a cell phone. Not a bad idea. Mom could then stay in touch, a comfort to her – and to me, really. But our conversations became less engaging, frequently interrupted by brash ringing. After a while, the cell phone morphed into a smart phone. I became amazed by how adroitly she could manipulate that tiny keyboard. Takes me forever to write a message. Have to find and poke the keys one at a time. And my finger always seems too pudgy to hit the right key.
Yes, like most everyone else these days, I have a cell phone. It’s not smart, but it serves my needs. It’s comforting to know I won’t be left stranded somewhere. That happened on more than one occasion before I had one.
Marcie became more distant after the smart phone joined us. She spent more time engaged in smart-phon’ing than in conversation. Once we were sitting on a park bench, enjoying the afternoon sunshine. Marcie wore earphones and constantly punched those virtual keys. I pulled out my phone and poked two letters – Hi – and sent them to her. She giggled; but rather than say something, she sent a return message.
Not too long ago, we had a chance to attend church together. The service had barely begun when I noticed the smart phone and two agile thumbs whizzing over the keys. I leaned over to her.
“Have a little respect, Marcie.”
She shot me cross look. She punched a few final letters, and then…turned off the phone. We enjoyed the service peacefully. But when the service was over, out it came.
Walking to the car, I managed to get her attention long enough to ask, “Do you remember the little chats we used to have?”
She thought for a moment, then nodded.
“I miss those.”
She mulled that over. I was half expecting her to respond, so what do you want to chat about?
“Really, Grandpa?”
“Really.”
We climbed into the car and headed off for brunch somewhere. Marcie was silent for a bit, phone sitting anomalously unattendended in her lap.
“You know, Grandpa, I’m off to college next year.”
I knew. They grow up so fast. I will miss our regular dates, even with the smart phone.
“We’ll have to plan to meet when you’re home.”
“Yeah.” Her voice trailed off in thought.
For our next outing, we decided to meet for lunch at her (then) favorite little eatery. I arrived a bit early, so I went inside and found a small table next to a window. I saw her drive up and step out dressed in a modest skirt and blouse – somewhat upscale, I thought. Her yet blond hair was pinned back behind her ears and trailed halfway down her long, slender back. Little Marcie was rapidly becoming a fine young woman.
“Hi, Grandpa!” She waved excitedly, high heels clicking as she approached the table.
“Nice look. You going somewhere important?”
“Here.” She smiled brightly, soft eyes twinkling.
She sat down and told me of her week while we ordered. She showed me a couple of brochures on colleges she was considering. Then, I noticed….
“I don’t see your phone.”
“I left it in the car.”
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You hit the nail right on the head, I want us to put stuff down and focus on time we have left, only problem is, I'm as bad as the kids.
Thanks for sharing this gentle reminder with us.
God bless~