Skype Me

We are relatively new to the Skype scene. My 15 year old niece Cristina is the one who really walked us through setting it up and getting it to work. I can't believe I am already at an age where I am relying on the younger generation to teach me about the latest technologies. I still remember the day when I had to show my mom how to use the new VCR. Its scary to learn your mom doesn't know everything. And slightly empowering.

Both Josie and Owen love Skype. As soon as Josie hears anything that sounds remotely like the Skype ring tone she drops whatever she is doing and runs into the kitchen screaming "who's calling? who's calling?" She has repeatedly climbed on to the desk and stuck one foot into the computer screen trying to "get in there." Owen will climb up on the chair at the computer and just stare at the computer and say, "Grandpa? Grandpa?"

Yesterday, my sister Carrie and her husband Thaddeus called. Josie heard the Skype ring and was on her feet and running before the first tone ended. Her delight doubled when she saw Kiki's face. There is nothing like seeing your child love someone as much as my kids love my sisters. Even if it is through a computer.

One of the hardest things about not living close to my family is nights like last night when my husband was working late, it was raining all day and everyone was feeling a little bored and a lot lonely. Most of the time I am OK with living 350 miles away from my family. I love Northern California. I love having the opportunity to focus primarily on my marriage and my children. I love missing out on some of the chaos, confusion and dysfunction that is inevitable in a close-knit family of 7 with an extended family of 70. But I hate missing out on the fun, entertainment and support that is inevitable in a close-knit family of 7 with an extended family of 70.

The call with Carrie last night ended like most of my phone calls, emails, texts and Skypes with my family do. "I wish you lived closer," my sister said. "Me too," I said and really meant it.