People have been asking us “How are you doing…as empty nesters?”
As a family, the four of us are quite close and I think the friends who ask
that just want to make sure the separation isn’t too taxing. Really, it isn’t.
After all, we had preparation for this during the Summer of 2012.
Besides, we’ve had an opportunity to travel to MTSU to see Paul in a
couple shows over in Murfreesboro. Also, as a first semester freshman,
he has traveled home with some of his Farragut friends to see his
girlfriend and for various get-togethers.
As for Holly, the old adage about the world being a small place really
applies here. With many communication tools at our fingertips, we have
been able to keep up with the highlights of her activities. Other family
members have followed her via Facebook, for example, to see photos
from our outings and to read the latest news.
Perhaps the most valuable tool of all, though, is Skype. It is an amazing
tool.
Using this tool reminds me of the first time I experienced the wonder of
airline travel. I woke in my bed one morning, flew to Washington D.C. (and
arrived before the kids left for school), I did my business among the
alabaster buildings and monuments in our nation’s capitol and then flew
home that evening.
I slept in the selfsame bed where I awakened that morning.
In a like manner, I find the use of Skype equally dramatic.
It is fascinating that I can be sitting on my couch in Farragut, TN and with
the click of a mouse and a push of a button, I can be talking to, and
seeing, young Holly Gary from her couch on the other side of the big
pond.
The technology reminds me of what kids from my generation used to see
on The Jetsons each week. Only, now, it is reality.
We have been trying to Skype with Holly every couple of weeks –
sometimes more often/sometimes less. We don’t keep a set schedule.
During our chats, we tell her all the latest goings-on from back home (she
always wants to know what Roger the cat is up to and making sure he is
keeping watch on the things back home).
From our end, we love to hear about all the cultural references – things
that are the same, similar and different – and we love to hear about all the
hijinks of her roommates and compadres.
Recently, she was telling us about a protest outside her window. It seems
the French are having similar conversations we are having here in the
states about how to boost test scores and improve educational outcomes
for their young students.
Standard practice for the youngest students is that they have Wednesday
afternoons free in Cherbourg. The school dismisses around mid-day.
Some have suggested the idea of having kids go to school for a full day
on Wednesday.
The moms-in-protest carried placquards saying “Don’t Touch
Wednesday!” (Ne toucher pas Mercredi!). That conversation led her to
telling us about the French-dubbed version of “Addams Family,” which
she watched recently on French TV. En français, the young daughter was
referred to as “Mercredi.”
She chuckled on as she told us that one.
For the minor cost of a little electricity, we are able to complete a long
distance, face-to-face chat. It almost feels like we are sitting on the same
sofa as we do so.
It has been very nice.
Of course, if you all want to follow along with many of these updates,
here’s a pro tip: check out their vlogs – Life Abroad/Dorm Life.
Ah, yes, the vlogs. Both very informative but as different as the two
principal characters who star in the video clips each Sunday and
Wednesday.
Again, that’s Mercredi, if you want to set your calendars en français.
JG
Originally posted 11/8/2013
No comments:
Post a Comment