My Dad & Social Media
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A few weeks ago, when I was vacationing in Florida, I got a call from my dad. For some people, this is a common occurrence. For me, this is a rare treat. Little did I know how rare (and treat) this was!
Let me go back in time a little. Two Christmases ago, a couple of my nephews (who are computer engineers) set my dad up with a computer. I don't think he really knew what to do with it. He will turn 80 this year. He would say things like, "I don't have time to monkey around with something like that." Well, I give him credit, because he took a course offered at the local school to learn internet basics.
I remember his first email to me. It was probably two sentences long. Most of his emails to me are just a few short lines. Some people would say, "Well, I prefer to communicate on the phone, too. Email is so impersonal." And my response would be, "Well, my dad doesn't call me either." OK, here's my confession. I don't call him all that often either. But if we do talk on the phone, it's more likely that I did the dialing. There was a point just a few months ago that I tried to call him a bunch of times but couldn't get through. I think I now know why.
Anyway, my dad did start reading this blog when he first got online. Eventually, that wasn't his only foray into social media. A few months ago he met and began regulary chatting with Frances, a lovely lady in Washington. Eventually, I guess, they developed feelings for each other and my dad (using one of my brother's frequent flier miles) traveled to meet her. The call to Florida a few weeks ago was to let me know they're getting married. This Saturday.
I knew they were discussing this, because they had told me this after my dad's visit. It was still a little bit of a shock, though. Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy for my dad and for Frances. My mom passed away five years ago and my dad's been lonely. He has friends, but I guess he's the kind of person who just wants to share life with someone else. He really didn't like wandering around his condo by himself. My three brothers and myself have all moved away. My sister remains in Trenton near him, but she has a busy life too. So, I'm glad he's found someone!
But on the internet? I think there's still a stigma attached to online dating, but frankly I think in circumstances like my dad's, the internet is a boon. How cool is it for someone with limited options in his small hometown to meet someone who is a great match and who also wants to enjoy their golden years with someone else?
Frances introduced herself to me via email and shared with me (and my brothers, I assume) her feelings for my dad. I responded (and googled her ... her name came up on a community website as did some images of her artwork ... seascapes, if I recall correctly). My dad also sent an email the other day to let us know he had arrived in Seattle safely, had met with the pastor, and was going to get a marriage license. At this rate, he will be on Twitter within the year.
I am not going to the wedding (two of my brothers are going to represent the Luymes clan); we will be joining a family celebration with the newlyweds in my hometown in Canada in early September instead. My wishes for Frances and my dad are that they will enjoy a beautiful day on Saturday and that their marriage will be a happy union that chases those "lonely bugs" away.
Meanwhile, I marvel (again) at the connections and possibilities that the internet provides to all of us.