Let’s go off the grid

Well summer is quickly coming to an end, and I am pondering where it went! However, I did have two major highlights, one being my sister’s beautiful wedding and the other was a cousin’s reunion at our favourite summer lake.

The reunion was so special as we turned back the clock and were 12 years old again with lots of laughter and reminiscing. But you know, what made it extra great was the fact that we were off the grid, so to speak. Unless you went to the highest hill and stood on one leg with your tongue sticking out, you were not getting any cell service! We could all share our pictures of grand-babies and weddings but not much else.

So, guess what? We sat and talked! Then played hours of crib and various games that caused major ruckus and allaround enjoyment. Nothing better than turning down your hearing aid because the laughter is too loud!

Did any of us miss anything? Nope. The world did not stop spinning and no one had to compete with

Facebook or emails. We were present and engaged. The outside world did not bombard us constantly. Absolutely priceless, and in today’s world, exceedingly rare.

Here is an idea, maybe we should all look at designating one day a week where we shut everything off and visit a friend or just simply be in the moment. Why has that little piece of equipment become the be-all and end-all in our universe? Nothing makes me more saddened than to see a family walking together and every single person is looking at their phones and not each other. They have invaded our workplace, our social outings and every other part of our daily lives.

So come people, let’s park that phone and look up! Be present for your children, sit and talk to your friends and let us learn the simple art of conversation again.

Stay well.

Allyson McCaw is a Medicine Hatter