The Common “Tator”

Curious people with an open-mind can always learn new things; all that is needed is “an attitude seasoned with desire to learn”, and with today’s technology a taste of humility.  Just a couple of weeks ago my Dad ‘began’ using e-mail via Outlook2003 and the internet via Internet Expl;orer. He is now 78 years mature, and still works by choice as an engineer in New Orleans. 

This new venture into “starting to make technology work for him” was not previously limited by a lack of computer access. Dad has had a PC available for his use for years. The trigger that sparked his interest is the availability of information at his fingertips, from engineering matters, receiving family pictures and info via e-mail, and the ability to read our family blogs which are rich in detailed info, photos and perspectives on life; accompanied by some healthy encouragement from me, wife and son during a recent visit to New Orleans and his office. —– Timing truly is important !! ——-

Dad’s venture into walking forward into the use of today’s technology if fueled by his curiousity and an open mind “once something catches his fancy”.  Isn’t this really true for each of us?? An open mind is a wonderful thing; when spiced with curiosity and an interest in what technology can deliver for anyone, the world is then available. At 78 “curiosity doesn’t kill the cat”, it fuels the mind, and now provides my Father the oppprtunity to see the world, as well as find day-to-day information at his convenience, on his timing and at his whim. Convenience redefined for someone who has seen and done so much.  

I spent some time via phone yesterday walking Dad through the ease of using info in an Excel spreadsheet I had shared with him as an e-mail attachment. This may seem like “everyday stuff” to many of us who continue to grow more and more comfortable with available technology.  When someone who has never touched a PC keyboard “chooses to get into it” and use it, the sky is truly the limit. It is truly enjoyable for me to help Dad with his new online technology discoveries.

Ah, if I could now only figure out a way to download that enourmous wealth of engineering and life experience, knowledge and wisdom that resides comfortably in my Dad’s brain, we would truly have a “database” worth referencing!

My great thanks and appreciation to my Father for all he has provided and taught me over the decades. He continues to teach me things today in many ways. I am grateful for inheriting parts of his intellect and curiosity. It is a pleasure and a blessing for me to able to humbly assist him in growing move comfortable with today’s technology and all that is can deliver — gain at his whim.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005 at 3:44 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.