Computer Comfort Age

My mother, a 60 year old baby boomer, has always embraced technology as much as possible. I have yet to get her on Twitter but she reads blogs, has an ipod, emails and uses online banking & shopping almost as much as I do. Kathie Lee Gifford, eat your heart out.

My 90 year old Nana, on the other hand, doesn't even like the word "computer" used in her home. So, when one of Nana's friend's called regarding my sister's bridal registry, I was prepared for the confusion - the belly laugh, not so much.

Hi Kimberly. It's Judy Smith. I just received the beautiful bridal shower invitation in the mail! How precious! Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it. Dick's foot is still bothering him and he needs me here. I would like to send a gift to the house, though. Can you call me back and tell me what's on her registry? Thanks!

I chuckled as I listened to the message. Judy wanted me to phone her and list off the items on the wedding registry? The happy couple is registered at three locations and have lengthy, detailed wish lists. Did she really expect me to read them all to her OVER THE PHONE? Oh yes, she did.

Now Judy, unlike my Nana, flirts with technology. She has a computer that she uses strictly to receive emails and pictures of her grandchildren. I decided I would email her the links to the wedding registries and then call her to explain how to access them from her computer.

I got her answering machine so I left a message with instructions and told her she could call me if she had any trouble. Later that week, I received another phone message from Judy. It seems she had been on the phone with Cracker Barrel all morning trying to speak to someone who could help her purchase a wedding gift.

After I pulled myself off of the floor and the belly-gripping cackling subsided, I called her back.

Judy?

Hi Kimberly!

Hi there.

Listen Judy, I am really sorry for the misunderstanding. Ann Marie is registered at Crate & Barrel not Cracker Barrel. That's why you weren't able to find her registry when you called. They are a restaurant.

Oh. Well, they sell really cute things, too, you know.

Er, yes, you're right.

Do you think you could help me pick something out from Cracker Barrel for your sister? They were so very nice on the phone.

Sure, Judy but it's really easy to shop online. I could walk you though it, if you'd like.

No, Kimberly. That really makes me nervous. I only like to give out my credit card number over the phone.

Whatever you want to do is fine, Judy. I'm sure Ann Marie will love it.

So, my sister maybe getting a gift certificate for a chicken fried steak dinner or better yet some country cast iron cookware instead of what is actually on her registry, but what the hell. Judy, bless her 75 year old heart, is going to do it her way to which Nana and Kathie Lee will totally relate. Computer, be damned!

And in the end, it's the thought (and for me, the hearty laugh I got from it) that counts most of all.

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You can find Kimberly where she lives and writes in Petroville.

An original post to DC Metro Moms Blog.