Never Too Late

While visiting in Detroit, we bought my 91-year-old mother-in-law her first computer – an Apple MacBook. I’m listening to Laptop 101 at about 10 decibels above normal as my husband teaches her the rudiments of using her new toy.

Why did she want a computer? Her hearing has been degenerating for years and it has become impossible to carry on a conversation on the phone, our only link when we are in DC and she is here. Recently her 90-year-old alterations lady told her that the computer had virtually saved her life, giving her a lifeline to the outside world and a never-ending source of amusement. So she greeted my husband with "I think I need a computer."

As my husband explained the concept of a bookmark and showed her the one he had created for the local weather, her face lit up with the realization that she could check the weather 24x7. She immediately jumped to the idea of being able to check our weather as well. You see, “the weather” has dominated any conversation we have ever had with my mother-in-law. The weather dictates her entire approach to life – what she will wear, the real need for the ever-present umbrella, etc.

Her first challenge was to learn how to use the track-pad. But she is a quick and eager student and in no time at all she was rolling and clicking. She sent e-mail messages to her granddaughter and her great-neice. Both of whom were astounded to learn of her new-found Internet savvy.

I hope when I am 91 I will be up for learning something new. I wonder what the exciting new technology will be when I reach that age.

(The second picture above is of my husband at the kids’ table in the Apple Store in Detroit where we took turns reading our e-mail after making the big purchase.)