Yesterday evening we went to spend some time with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew Terry. We only get to see them once or twice a year. We were there about two and half hours and talked about many things. On the drive back to the house I had a few thoughts about the visit.
Of course, it was great to see my brother. It was also great to have spent almost 3 hours in a cell phone free conversation. No one felt the need to answer a ringing phone, text someone who wasn't there, check email, or update their facebook status. It is true that all of us present have lived in a world without smart phones, but it is also true that we all own cell phones and use this technology. We chose not too last evening. It was very refreshing for me. I can't even remember the last time I had a conversation not interrupted by devises.
The five of us live very busy lives and have lots of people we need to stay connected to, there never seems to be time for many phone calls, emails, or letters between us. So on an evening such as last there were so many things to talk about and get caught up on. That made for lively conversation and a few other special gifts. What kind of gifts?
For me, at the second year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, it was nice to tell my story. Now that I am finally in a place where I want to talk about it. It was wonderful to talk about how it all came down, the doctors & nurse that were part of the journey, my feelings, etc. And it was wonderful to talk about it to people who didn't think they knew it all, because they had been following every tweet along the way. It is a gift to talk to people who you are connected to by blood so they love and care about you, but who you have enough distance from that you can spend time connecting the old fashion way through simple conversation.
Now I am not suggesting that you throw away your cell phone or close your facebook account. I know I not going to. I am suggesting that you turn off the smart phone and truly connect with the ones your with. I know I feel happy and connected from last night's encounter. Just try it once in awhile you might like it.