Talk about an “ah-ha moment!” Recently I was at the airport getting ready to go thru security when I realized my cell phone wasn’t attached to my hip like it usually was.
Panic struck as my heart raced – I felt totally out of touch! As my mind rapidly flew into solve-the problem mode, the first thing I did was try to find a pay phone. That didn’t work as the one I found wouldn’t accept money and I had no idea how to use it. And, I think it might have been broken, but I couldn’t figure out how or why.
Increased panic – no cell phone, no pay phone – nothing.
Whirling around, I spied three friendly faces at the Delta Wheelchair Assistance counter. I jumped into line and quickly made the folks behind the counter my new nearest, dearest, and closest friends. They were a great help letting me use their land-line, but suddenly I realized I didn’t know any phone numbers – they were all in the memory bank of my cell. Thank goodness directory assistance still works, and a very special thanks for the kindness of strangers.
Luckily I finally reached my daughter at work, who contacted her ex-husband who had driven me to the airport. After a quick search of his car, he found my cell right where I left it – smack dab in the middle of the seat. This good man retraced the miles to the airport, and my tiny black communicator was soon clutched tightly in my hand before my flight flew, although it took a Herculean effort to make it to the gate on time.
As I waited for my knight in shining armor to rush through the departure lane for the second time that morning, I thought about how disconnected I had felt. How could the loss of a piece of technology make me feel so mentally unhinged? While I owned this experience, I would venture to say most everyone over the age of twelve is dependent upon some type of mobile device – iPads, iPhones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, calculators, and probably hundreds more.
Would others feel as out-of-control and lost as I did if their world of connections failed?
Right then and there, I made a plan. I would get a second cheap cell phone to be hidden in the bottom of my purse, just for emergencies. I’d also carry important phone numbers in my wallet as a back-up.
I also thought about how instant contact with our friends and family is so important. Technological advances over the past couple decades have impacted our social connections to a tremendous degree.
