Managing Life and Love without Today’s Technology

I recently returned from a relaxing girlfriend’s getaway and never questioned the logistics to make it happen. I would fly from San Francisco to Phoenix and my friend would drive from Santa Fe to eventually rendezvous in the red rocks of Sedona. No problem! We both had an abundance of technology to get us there. Early Monday morning, she left for her six-hour drive and after my meetings, I prepared to head north. However, just before I left, I called to check on her ETA…estimated arrival time. Actually, my car’s Bluetooth-connected phone called her car’s Bluetooth system. Yes, she was making great progress and expected to arrive around 1:30 pm. Quickly I disconnected the hands-free call and proceeded north

No need to use my car’s navigation system that morning as I could probably drive this familiar I-17 route with my eyes closed. However, I kept my eyes open to enjoy the desert scenery, especially the giant saguaro cactus that entertained me with their playful personalities. Sadly a recent wild fire had marred this terrain and ashes now covered what had been desert habitats. Grateful that my journey had not been impacted by this fire, I relaxed into the rhythm of the drive with Sirius radio providing uninterrupted soft jazz. Soon the towering red cliffs rose to welcome me. These ancient formations calmed me as I inhaled their beauty, peacefulness and the cool air of this magical high desert setting.

It was exactly 1:30 when I parked my car at the resort and headed toward the registration desk. In front was an unfamiliar car with New Mexico license plates and someone on their phone. Surprised, I saw that it was my friend who had also just arrived. Thanks to our planning and technology, we were ready to begin our next adventures.

It had almost been a year since my friend had moved from the Bay area, and we had missed our fun times together. To stay connected and keep our friendship alive, we had made a “Wine Skype-Pact” agreeing to a weekly Skype call while enjoying a beverage of choice. Although we weren’t consistent about the wine, we were religious about making those video calls. Surprisingly our friendship grew and flourished in spite of the fact that we were no longer neighbors. Those Skype sessions along with texts, emails and phone calls bonded us in new, meaningful ways, and we truly appreciate the role technology has played in our ongoing friendship.

Returning home, I thought about all the tools I had used for this trip-my cell phone, GPS, laptop, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and more. Yet, when I began my career and traveled throughout Arizona, I did not have these resources that I take for granted today. Truthfully, I don’t know how I managed, except I spent extra time on travel logistics so I didn’t get lost. Today’s technology has made it possible to work anywhere, anytime and stay tied to friends and family. Plus, these tools have now become essential to daily living, travel planning and problem solving. “Just ask the phone,” is now one of my favorite comments.

When my recent flight was delayed, I got a text with the new departure time and gate change. I also scheduled my Uber pick-up, confirmed a doctor’s appointment and made dinner reservations from my phone. These new communication tools have likewise become assets for our military personnel who often spend lengthy deployments away from their families. When my cousin’s husband was sent to Iraq, he would Skype his young daughters daily. He was still their daddy who drew pictures with them, read stories, and even said their nightly prayers together over Skype. This meant he was not a stranger when he returned home. It had been a valuable resource for them and still is for traveling military families and civilians alike.

Yet, as I enjoyed the benefits of this technology, I suddenly thought about my parents who had been separated for almost three years during WWII. What a difference it would have made for them. Prior to dad’s overseas assignment, they often traveled great distances at a moment’s notice to reunite for a brief visit. The US mail, Western Union telegrams and limited long distance phone calls were their only planning tools. How did they do it without cell phones and the internet?

It wasn’t easy with my dad stationed at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and mom teaching school eight hours away in Alcoa, Tennessee. Plus, they never knew when or where the Army would change his location, so they were determined to get together whenever they had the chance. Often a letter arrived early in the week saying he was trying to get a weekend pass and wanted to meet in Birmingham, Alabama. When he got the pass, he would call on Thursday so she could quickly make her travel plans. Usually she caught a train or bus while Rol and a buddy would drive four hours to meet her at her sister’s home. On Sunday Rol would drive back to camp making sure he made curfew and his wife would take the Birmingham Special back to East Tennessee.

Fortunately, the rail and bus service were fairly reliable during the 40’s and I imagine they both had paper copies of the various transportation schedules. Even if they could only be together for 36 hours, they made it happen. After their emotional goodbyes they returned home grateful for these unexpected visits. Then they immediately resumed their writing routine and eagerly awaited the letters. Waiting and a lack of information were challenging realities for their generation, but they persisted anyway. That’s just what they did.

As I thought more about my parents, I realized how they had survived and thrived without the benefit of our ever-evolving technology. Using old-fashioned methods, they built strong relationships and productive lives in spite of many war-era challenges. While I am thankful for my technology, I am even more grateful for my parent’s resilience and courage that helped win the war. Plus their generation’s efforts helped set the stage for our unprecedented technological advances. So the next time I Skype my friend or grandchildren, I will thank them for their unknown impact on today’s innovative communication tools.