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Gwen Todd: Did I get withdrawal symptoms when my Old Faithful Puter had a fatal crash? Gee, isn't that a given? First you walk around the house, glancing at the "culprit" with loathing. Then you tentatively tap out your name on the keyboard, just to hear the keys click. Next step is to find a major project around the house, like maybe polishing all the door hinges, or rearranging your closet and hanging everything according to length, color, and use. Then there's another trip to the computer. Maybe there is a connection loose, so you check each and every cable connection, electric connection and phone connect, and then click the "on" button. You hold your breath as the monitor lights up and you see . . . . . No, it's just that silly design that the monitor shows when it's not hooked up to anything, so you run another cable check. Everything is connected solidly. About then is when you grab the yellow pages and look up the names of all the computer dealers in your neighborhood, and start using that other instrument in your office -- the telephone!!! But wait, there is help on the horizon. The phone rings and it is your granddaughter. "Hi, Grandma, we haven't had any e-mail from you for two days. Are you okay?" You pour out your problems and then she says the magic words, "Aw, Grandma, why didn't you call right away. My husband can build you a new computer and he gets all his parts at cost. That's all you'll have to pay. And we'll be up with it next weekend to install it." Tears of gratitude stream down your face. Let's see, this is Friday, so "next weekend" is a whole seven days away. It is the longest week of your life, but on Saturday about noon, the car with Texas license plates drives up. Your Granddaughter and two little great granddaughters run to hug you. Then wonder of wonders, there is your grandson-in-law, clasping that wonderful piece of electronic wizardry to his bosom. He hooks it up -- he's installed all the good new things you've only dreamed about having, but knew you couldn't afford on your Social Security income -- It has more memory, it has terrific speakers. Because you love your family, you resist the temptation to sit and call up all your friends on ICQ and write a blanket e-mail to those who haven't yet answered your request for them to join you there. You spend the weekend with your grandchildren and your great grandchildren in an abundantly loving atmosphere, but for the first time, the sight of their taillights as they leave doesn't leave you feeling bereft. Hello, Jacqui! Hello, Pat, Al, Bobbie, Luana -- I'm back. And I'm here to stay. My window to the world is wide open again. Thank you for listening Fanny -- did I have withdrawal pangs? Heavens, no!!! (Well, not for very long thanks to a loving family.) Copyright 2000 by Gwen Todd |
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