…chattered away on her cell phone…
My wife was walking through a park the other day when she noticed a grandmother walking with her young granddaughter. Instead of making the most of an opportunity to spend quality time with her granddaughter, this woman chattered away on her cell phone the whole time while completely ignoring her little granddaughter who trailed behind looking at the ducks swimming past them. What a shame. This could have been a precious moment–something both of them would remember the rest of their lives. This woman could have used this opportunity to do the things that grandmothers typically do–pointing out plants, trees, flowers and butterflies. She also could have engaged her granddaughter in a conversation and smelled some of the flowers with her. But, instead she chose to talk on her cell phone which caused both of them to miss out on a wonderful opportunity.
That is a great observation! These smartphones are so engaging, we often forget what we are missing that is right in front of us. Thanks for the reminder.
Found the grandmother story sad. Got a nephew whose wife put her 2 yr old in pre-school so she could have more time to herself, she doesn’t work outside the home. My sister tells me when she worked at the school many parents wanted their children in kindergarten at 4 yrs just to get them out of the house. I think it’s a sad comment on what is happening in our society. Hope you are finding time with that red headed grandaughter.
People are losing the ability to even know how to react socially, lovingly and appreciatively. We need to set boundaries for the intrusion of phone calls, texts and emails with ourselves and those with us. When you need to make a call excuse yourself and go to a restroom, hall way or outside– away from the people you’re with. What we are really saying when we speak on the phone or text instead of engaging with the people we’re are with is simply “You are not as important as the person or information that holds my attention right now.”
Hi Margret!
It’s so nice to hear from you and thank you for your insightful comments regarding my Reminder. You are right on and I couldn’t agree with you more. I hope all is well and that you are doing well. All the best, Ross
She is certainly missing out on one of a limited number of opportunities to really engage with that little girl. What is she saying to that grandchild by making the phone call more important. This example is right up there with people I witness at football and hockey games who spend the time texting instead of watching the game. Go figure! Priorities, people.
Hi Cheryl,
You are right on and I couldn’t agree with you more. I baby sat my granddaughter this morning and we had a ball. I also change two diapers–it’s like riding a bike. Hope all is well. Ross
Social technology and the politicians are going to ruin this country! We would be better off without both of them! Young people do not know how to communicate. Life is so short and we are not enjoying it because of social media. I am now waiting for the next medical problem with the those who text constantly! This shows my age—I can remember of writing letters to friends and relatives to stay in touch so that really shows my age!
Hi Audrene,
Thank you so much for your comment to my Reminder. I couldn’t agree with you more. Also, I still write letters and people really appreciate them when the get them. I sounds like you have a little shindig in the works on June 1. I hope all is well. Ross