Technology and Superman Seany

Oh man this is one of those subjects that I feel is a battle I am not sure I will win. 

I am sooooooo appreciative of Buster initially who seemed to be a genius on the computer, when we worked together at CH. There wasn't anything he couldn't figure out on the computer for me. He still is super smart about computers, but being in Woodland Park, I don't get many opportunities to see what he does with them now.

Which brings me to my fabulous, superman of a son-in-law Seany. The universe will find some manner in which to award him for all the patience (ok I know he has lost his marbles about me and technology on occasion) he has and still shows me in regards to this world that seems just beyond my grasp... that of technology.

I knew he was a keeper the very first time I went to Best Buy in Grand Junction with Court, after Court and Seany were dating, so I could see where he worked. My understanding of technology did not even have a Best Buy on its radar, so Court had to drag me in. After walking in and being overwhelmed by all the flashing equipment, huge TV's and techno noise, Court led me down the walkway until we had Seany in our sights, and that was when I first fell in love with my son-in-law. Yes, I love him, but in a mum kind of way.

There Seany was, with an elderly gentleman, discussing in detail whatever was hanging from a rack. It wasn't just that he was helping him, he was REALLY helping him. Being a nurse, I have become intensely tuned in to all the nuances of body language. We have to make a million assessments often in a cursory glance. Court went on to go see something, and I kind of moved to the side and just watched Seany. He wasn't like some of the Geeks that would glance past you as they try to explain, always seeming like they had a better agenda somewhere else, or maybe the $1 million dollar client just walked in and they needed to attend to them instead. Seany just focused on his gentleman. His body language showed respect, he was leaning towards the gentleman, he was asking him questions and allowing him time to answer. It was clear that they man was having a struggle with whatever he was learning, and Seany would look him in the eye, ACTUALLY LISTEN, and respond in kind. He never let his attention wander until the customer indicated that he was done and made the move to walk away.

In a time when electronics have invaded every aspect of our life, the younger generation doesn't have the difficulties the older generation does because they are growing up with it. Taking an individual, set in their knowledge base and understanding of basic electronics and throwing them into this microchipped world, is sometimes beyond overwhelming and leaves one with a sense of dread, that if you don't keep pace you are going to be left behind.

My biggest fear....being left behind. My biggest fear is someone giving up on me because they don't think I can grasp the techno aspects. Inside of me is the little girl (we will become more acquainted with her as we go along) screaming to not be over looked, shoved in a techno nursing home simply because she can't wrap her head around the endless possibilities that is technology. 

I've never actually had this conversation with Seany, but my gut feeling is, as long as I keep trying, he won't leave me behind. That's important because I saw myself that day in the store, not as an old gentleman, but someone that is frustrated at being outpaced in their knowledge of something. As a single parent, as a student, as a nurse....there hasn't been much that I haven't met head on and been able to conquer, but with technology I might have met my match. I am just trying to reaffirm with myself that just because I don't grasp how some of these concepts are possible, doesn't mean that I have now become worthless or not worth someones time. It just means I have things to learn, and not having grown up with this beast that is technology, its not natural for me. I have mental blocks.

I secretly read things and try them for myself so if Seany ever asks, I won't feel dumb. I hate feeling dumb. THAT makes me feel old.

I can't think about technology without thinking about my mom. She thought the VCR and the portable phone were complicated, and pretty much gave up at CD's and DVD's. It was just too much for her. I was patient, I walked her through things, but she just stopped. I sent her a digital photo frame recently, so she could see over 700 pix without having to turn and album page. Sadly I don't know if she was able to work with it or not.

That is what I am afraid is going to happen to me, that I will find I have a threshold, and I will just stop wanting to learn technology. And in a world where every single thing is driven by technology, I will be completely left behind. And people don't want to keep picking you up, they eventually just give up and go on without you. This fast paced world we have created, no longer allows for slowing down, there's not a place for someone that can't keep up. THAT is scary for me. 

So.... I keep working at it, and try to be open. I feel like a greyhound racing to catch the carrot. As long as I keep moving the carrot stays within my reach. Although I may never catch it, its still remains visible, and makes me feel like I am still in the game. While Seany has patience with me now, I worry that one day, he too will tire of someone that just can't get it, and then I will be so screwed.

So for now.... I am so grateful to have a son-in-law who loves the possibilities of technology and doesn't mind sitting with this old person to help her along. So I raise my Sam Adams glass to you Seany, and say thank you for your undying patience, it is so beyond appreciated.