No matter how far apart we are, technology brings us closer. - SahmReviews.com

Disclosure

As much as people like to complain about how technology has taken over everyone’s lives, there is no disputing the fact that it has made the world a smaller place. Stop for just a minute to really think about it.

  • Yes, we see kids gathered in groups all with their heads buried in their electronic devices and none actually communicating with each other.
  • Yes, we hear about kids (and adults) being cyber-bullied.
  • Yes, we perpetually hear complaints about everything from education to politics.

Social media keeps us informed about our friends and family. - SahmReviews.com

But we also hear about a lot of other things.

  • We’re able to share our congratulations when a new life enters the world.
  • We’re able to send our condolences about the loss of a loved one.
  • We can cheer on one another through job changes, relocations, lifestyle improvements and accolades.
  • We can band together to aid in the event of a natural (or man-made) disaster.
  • We’re able to log online and see each other in real time. Whenever we want.

It's difficult living away from family. When you can't be together, technology helps shorten the distance. - SahmReviews.com

As Mother’s Day approaches, I’m reminded of all the times I have been away from family during special times. When I was a kid, we didn’t live near any of my grandparents. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, birthdays… we sent cards. Long distance calls were expensive back then so those were pretty limited. As an adult, Scott and I lived in California for years. We weren’t near any family during special occasions unless we flew to see them. Phone calls were the norm for staying connected with a letter or card thrown in for good measure. Even when we returned to Iowa, that still meant we were away from his mom who lives in another state. Phone calls are fine, but advances in technology make the distance not seem so bad.

HP printers offer the ability to print from mobile devices. Even when not at home! - SahmReviews.com

Thanks to social media, we have the ability to keep up to date with everything that anyone wants to share. Whether photographs from a vacation or an uprooted tree from a recent storm, we’re able to feel like we know what is going on in the lives of our loved ones and friends. Smartphones are the key. The 16 MP camera with full HD 1080p video on our Samsung Galaxy S5 allows us to preserve priceless memories for our own benefit or to share with others by uploading directly to social channels. Apps/sites like Shutterfly are great for creating memory books and can be done directly from our phones. Even HP printers offer us the ability to print directly from our phones even when we are out and about. Need a creative gift idea for grandma? Consider setting up a printer then encouraging family members to randomly print notes and photos right in her own home. Whether Mother’s Day or “just thinking of you”, what mom or grandma wouldn’t love that?

As much as we want to, we can't always go. - SahmReviews.com

Aside from the social connection that smart phones and apps offer, the phones themselves are incredible tools for connecting. Apple’s iPhone 6 makes the distance much easier to handle. As an example, my MIL has “attended” birthday parties, talent shows and other performances that she physically couldn’t be at because she lives 650 miles away. When WiFi isn’t available, we can always count on U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE network to keep us connected.

Technology bridges the distance between us. - SahmReviews.com

Last Saturday we dropped my MIL off at the airport after a week-long visit. While we all have trouble with saying goodbye, Miss K has an even harder time with it. The only thing that helps soothe the pain is a promise that her grandma will call her on FaceTime when she makes it home. It’s not the same as seeing her in person, but it does help.

So as Mother’s Day rolls around, take a minute to be thankful for the technology that allows us to feel like the distance isn’t so great.

What do you do to stay connected during the holidays?

12 thoughts on “Stay Connected With Mom

  1. I do appreciate the opportunities for relationship provided by modern technology. I’ll admit, I’m feeling a little bitter about it this Mother’s Day, but I’ll spare you the story. I love your photos. ♥

  2. We are on the phone all day during holidays. We try to send out cards, but usually that ends up not actually happening for one reason or another. We do try to connect during the holidays, nevertheless.

  3. This too is why I love technology! Everybody, no matter where they live, can see my children’s pictures as soon as I post them. I feel much more connected to distant family members.

  4. I talk with my mom daily, but not as much others in the family, I know their busy and don’t want to bother them

  5. Interesting post. We’re pretty isolated geographically, and although my spouse is a big user of social media to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world, I just haven’t made the leap. You’ve definitely given me some food for thought. Thanks.

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