Alexa

Last week, I took my mom to see Echo in the Canyon followed by some homemade chicken chili at my house.  Upon arrival at my home I asked, “What is one of your all-time favorite groups?”

She replied, “Chicago.”

With the addition of some recent technology, I said, “Alexa, shuffle Chicago.

The kitchen was soon filled with the notes from 25 or 6 to 4.   She looked at the Geroge Jetson device with amazement and we laughed while peppering the speaker with random questions.  Within minutes, we were logging into her Amazon account and sending Mr. Bezos more unneeded money.  Realizing that I am her technical support, I preemptively loaded the Alexa app onto her phone and tried to go through the set up steps.

Her package arrived a few days later and my phone was quick to ring.  After eight discombobulated attempts, I knew this service call would require an on-site visit.  I had just returned from short trip and was not in the mood to drive across town.  Feeling a bit miffed, I drove to her house with a heavy foot.  She met me at the front door with a defeated look.  In less than a minute, her Alexa was primed for any task.

On the drive home, I spent some time in reflection mode.  The most obvious conclusion was that my mom did not wake up on that day with the intention of being frustrated with new technology.  This same concept applies to any anyone in my life that left crumbs by the toaster or did not appropriately replace the cap on the toothpaste.  It was a great reminder for me to accept people as they are, not as I wish them to be.

With about five minutes left on my drive, one of my best friends called with a real problem.  His mom had just received some horrific health news and will soon be dancing with angels.