My history books said that Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call on his
new invention in 1876. That call changed the world. Communication expanded, and each day the world gets smaller and smaller. Communication, whether the information we receive each day is true or not, changes lives.
The telephone is not the sole contributor to this change, but it’s the one that most people access. Heck the government helps you get a phone if you can’t afford your own.
When I lived at home with my parents, we had a “party” line. I’ve mentioned that before. Our big growth spurt in communication back then was to get a “private” line. Later, we added an extension in the basement. The extension provided convenience and a bit of privacy. The phone’s function was still the same. We spoke with each other. Life stayed that way for me throughout my first 60 plus years.
During college I had a telephone signal that I used with my parents. After a trip home, I would call my parents “collect” from my dorm or apartment. They would refuse the charge but know that I made it back to school safely.
Many of today’s phones are mini computers. In addition to calling someone, you can text, search the web, get driving directions, go shopping, watch TV, download movies, take pictures, listen to music, keep updated on world events, monitor your fantasy football team, and order pizza without speaking to anyone. I often wonder if Alexander had known where we were headed if he would have continued on with his invention.
My three children and their spouses each have a smart phone. A couple of weeks ago, my grandson, Brady, received a phone too. Brady’s came with rules. The three biggest are:
- No taking it to class.
- Use it to call mom and dad after practice.
- Don’t lose it.
So far, pretty good. All thirteen year olds take a misstep now and then. The best part of this addition is that Ruth and I can get updates directly from the source now.
Brady’s mom and dad, and four aunts and uncles, all have their phones with them all of the time. I know because I’ve been with them on countless occasions and every time that I have been with them, their phone was by their side. If it rang, they answered or let it go to voicemail. If it buzzed they texted, answered an email, or waited to respond later. They all need to keep up to date for work, family, and their social lives. The lone exception is David and Lindsay’s cottage. This is a “no-communication with the outside world zone”. I respect that.
The smartphone has changed the way our family communicates. We get pictures of all types of people, places, and things (lots of food), questions regarding past or upcoming events, updates on “what’s happening now”, and countless unsolicited observations. Our smartphones have become an extension of our family. When you live in three or four different states as we do, our phones help us to keep in contact with each other.
Often when a text comes through, I think “I wish they would just call.”, but then I stop and think “They are, we’re just not talking.” I know that they are thinking of Ruth and me. Including us in their daily lives. And while I may not be hearing their voices, I do know their thoughts, and I am very happy to be in the mix.