Bits and Pieces

·         Wearing Out: Things we use every day show wear. Soon they exhibit more than a hole or two, or frayed edges that redefine the term entirely. Their usefulness remains in part, but they now look ugly. Reluctantly we will replace them. Mind you, we continue to use them until the replacement is received. And then there is the dance when to replace, when to toss, and so forth. With a surge of purpose, the old are tossed and the new unwrapped and installed. Sometimes this action is quick; often it is slow, very slow. Reluctant, you know?

 ·         Connectedness: An email from an old colleague or client appears in the inbox. I open it. It is good to feel the familiar ‘voice’ and rekindle the connection we once had. The mind floods with memories and recall. The details form, the email conversation yields to a phone call or Zoom session. More recall and fresh thinking on the matters at hand. Once again, we have renewed the connection and pursuing progress on issues discussed. Even meetings are arranged and work continues. Only, work is not a term we prefer to use. No; rather, it is connection. Yes, that’s it, much better. We are connected once again and feel useful. What is this thing we call retirement? Hah! Such a dusty term, a discomforting one at that. Ah, yes; much better to be connected and doing something with value, purpose.

 ·         Keeping Up: The balky computer startles to life. The cursor points and responds to motion, and now a click. The icon activates and work continues. The system is working. It wasn’t moments ago. Quick! What did I do to restore its function? Or was it automatic? If so, why?

 And so the mystery adds more moments to our life of unknowing. The tech burp is fixed for now only I have no idea how or why. I wish I did understand, but for now I accept its functionality and use it. Gladly use it. I’ll figure it out in the future, only I know deep down I won’t figure it out. Meanwhile, I keep doing things it allows me to do. I have for a moment kept up with the mysteries of technology. Only, another day, or even a breathless moment, I know the problem will return. I will scratch my head, worry incessantly, and ponder what to do then. It is always so. Functionality and mystery. They go hand in hand with technology these days for senior citizens.

Oh yes, I admit senior status. I am retired but then again not; just not earning a living. And a lot of time to do things, accomplish new understandings, usefulness, and what not. I must be keeping up with it all, after all, I am here, connected and doing. That counts for something. Right?

November 5, 2025

 

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