So... we packed via Skype, and I hand carried a suitcase to her in California a few weeks ago. You should have seen us: the thoroughly modern mother and daughter using web cams to sort through her things. I took the laptop computer into her old room and showed her all her clothes and belongings while we chatted on Skype. On her end, she saw each item and told me whether to pack it, save it until she comes home at Christmas, or give it away.
With webcams, I feel connected. Hannah can virtually put a computer on top of the piano and I can watch and hear her play the next time she goes to the nursing home, provided they have wireless internet connections there. Then if she brings a friend to turn pages, he or she can swing the computer around occasionally so I can see all old folks sleeping in the audience just like last time when I was there in person.
My future daughter-in-law is even proposing I attend her first bridal shower this spring by way of Skype and webcams. Not quite as fun as being there in person, but at least I can experience it better than just seeing photos. Already I'm envisioning other applications like sitting face-to-face with my future grandchildren each week, seeing their art work, hearing their stories, watching them grow up. Cyber-grandparenting.
Pretty cool, huh?
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| Amy's bridal shower in Wisconsin |
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| Us attending via Skype in Mexico |
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| Not quite the same as being there, but it was fun nonetheless |
6 comments:
Reminds me of a ride to the future they had at Disney World some 22 (ahem) years ago!
Seriously! I remember going to the state fair in Texas as a little girl and seeing "phones of the future" where you could see the person you're talking to. We all said, "No way!!!"
That cyber-grandparenting thing is pretty great, once you get to that point. I know my kids' grandparents all love it, and the boys feel connected. They play games over Skype too (playing yahoo game versions of chess, checkers, etc.).
Glad you have found a way to be connected with your far-flung adult children. (((hugs)))
Love it!
Glad you are able to do all of that. :)
I guess that's the next best thing to living in the same country. I really hope to keep you well connected when we have kids, so they don't grow up being (as) distanced like we were from our grandparents.
JJ...just getting to your blog. I love it! Just don't have time to visit many blogs.
This IS such an amazing time to be overseas w/ all the electronic communication avenues we have! My three best "roomies" from college and I have always had "roomie reunions" at least once a year, and a coffee date each Christmas season. Well, last year, during Christmas they met without me. But they took a laptop, got me on skype, and let me join in on the coffee date! They even had someone take our picture...the three of them in their winter sweaters, me in my PJs on the laptop right in the middle of them! :-) Fun!
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