Technologically Handicap

Tonight, I had the task of teaching my mom how to use her iPod. Mind you, several years ago when iPods first came out, my dad thought my mom would really enjoy one for her walking so he bought it for her for Christmas. Over a year later, I noticed it was still in the box so asked to use it during a vacation and never really gave it back to her. She never missed it. This last my mom asked for a new one in hopes that she's actually learn it this time. Today, she finally registered it!

It amazes me every time I have to lend technological support just how much seems to be innate for me and others of my generation. We don't think twice about downloading music, using mP3 players, DVRs, fancy cell phones with a million capabilities, Google Earth, etc. But, every time I hear my name called from my dad's office, I am quickly reminded of the generation gap that exists between my parents and me and that it seams to only be growing.

But tonight I pay tribute to my sweet mother who honestly wants to learn. Today she uploaded new picture software and actually learned how to use it without calling me once! And, she figured out how to downloaded music with very little assistance! It wasn't until she wanted to understand how to use her iPod that I finally sat down for a tutorial. Amazingly, I sense some technological barriers being passed. The light bulb has finally been twisted tight enough! My mom finally gets it!

To anyone with technologically handicap parents... be patient. If they really want to learn, years later, they will! And once they get it, they won't need our help very often, but we'll still have to be patient because they just don't move through things as fast we do. But at least they finally get it!